reverse-engineering
[/rɪˈvɜːrs ˈɛndʒɪnɪərɪŋ/]
noun
engenharia reversa
1. the process of discovering the principles of a device or system through analysis and experimentation, rather than by reading design documents
The company used reverse-engineering to understand how their competitor's software worked.
A empresa usou engenharia reversa para entender como o software do concorrente funcionava.
2. the practice of taking apart a manufactured product to analyze its design, functionality, and construction methods
Reverse-engineering the engine allowed engineers to improve their own design.
A engenharia reversa do motor permitiu que os engenheiros melhorassem seu próprio projeto.
3. in software development, analyzing executable code or compiled programs to understand their source code or functionality
Reverse-engineering the application revealed several security vulnerabilities.
A engenharia reversa da aplicação revelou várias vulnerabilidades de segurança.
Reverse-engineering is a significant term in both Brazilian and American tech industries. In Brazil, it's commonly discussed in the context of industrial development and technology transfer, while in the USA, it often intersects with intellectual property law and patent disputes. The practice is legally ambiguous in many jurisdictions—legal when used for interoperability or security research, but potentially illegal when it violates copyright or patents.
Related Idioms & Phrases
take something apart to see how it works
figure out how something was made
work backwards from the finished product
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →