human-readable
Not for machines
Human-readable describes data or code formatted so people can understand it without special tools or training.
A human-readable date might show "January 15, 2024" rather than "20240115" or a Unix timestamp.
The term implies contrast with machine-readable formats optimized for computers: The API returns human-readable error messages.
In computing, human-readable often means plain text rather than binary.
Without obstruction or fog
- understandableAble to be grasped
- plainBasic and unremarkable
- simpleFree of complexity
- lucidMentally sharp and comprehensible
intelligible · coherent · explicit · unambiguous · straightforward · transparent · articulate · precise
Character style set
- typefaceLettering style design
- serifLetter terminal flourish
- sans-serifType without terminal strokes
- legibleAble to be read
lettering · characters · glyphs · print · monospace · kerning · contrast · boldface
Easy to operate
- intuitiveKnown without reasoning
- accessibleAble to be reached
- navigableCapable of being traversed
- scannableCapable of being read electronically
skimmable · browsable · searchable · findable · organized · logical · consistent · predictable
Unprintable gap characters
- indentationInward cut or setback
- paragraphsDistinct units of prose
- headersTop-of-page identifiers
- bullet-pointsTypographical list markers
punctuation · alignment · structured · organized · labeled · annotated · commented · markdown
clear
Without obstruction or fog
- understandableAble to be grasped
- plainBasic and unremarkable
- simpleFree of complexity
lucid · intelligible · coherent · explicit · unambiguous · straightforward · transparent · articulate · precise · digestible
font
Character style set
- typefaceLettering style design
- serifLetter terminal flourish
- sans-serifType without terminal strokes
legible · lettering · characters · glyphs · print · monospace · kerning · contrast · boldface · italics
user-friendly
Easy to operate
- intuitiveKnown without reasoning
- accessibleAble to be reached
- navigableCapable of being traversed
scannable · skimmable · browsable · searchable · findable · organized · logical · consistent · predictable · helpful
whitespace
Unprintable gap characters
- indentationInward cut or setback
- paragraphsDistinct units of prose
- headersTop-of-page identifiers
bullet-points · punctuation · alignment · structured · organized · labeled · annotated · commented · markdown · delimited
human-readablemachine-readable
Processable by automated systems
binary · machine code · object code · machine language · bytecode
human-readableunreadable
Cannot be deciphered
illegible · incomprehensible · indecipherable · gibberish · cryptic
human, readable, read, reader, reading, reads, unreadable, readability, humans