Interface

In general usage, an interface is the point, area, or surface along which two substances or other qualitatively different things meet; it is also used metaphorically for the juncture between items.

Table of contents

1 Telecommunications 2 Computer Science 3 See also:

Telecommunications

In telecommunication, the term interface (I/F) has the following meanings:

1. In a system, a shared boundary, i.e., the boundary between two subsystems or two devices.

2. A shared boundary between two functional units, defined by specific attributes, such as functional characteristics, common physical interconnection characteristics, and signal characteristics.

3. A point of communication between two or more processes, persons, or other physical entities.

4. A point of interconnection between user terminal equipment and commercial communications facilities.

5. To interconnect two or more entities at a common point or shared boundary.

Source: from Federal Standard 1037C and from MIL-STD-188

Computer Science

In computer science, an interface is a means for both abstraction and encapsulation through which method signatures and related constants are defined, but the details of implementation are intentionally left undefined.

Examples of programming languages that provide interfaces:

• Java

• network interface
• network card
• user interface