Stack

A stack may refer to any of the following:

1. A stack is a collection of software components designed (often required) to operate together as a single unit. For example, the collection of libraries and protocols that enables TCP/IP networking is frequently called the "TCP/IP stack." Similarly, a developer proficient with all the components of web application development is called a full stack developer.

2. In computer programming, a stack is a data structure that only operates on the most recent item added, also known as LIFO (last in, first out). When a new item is added to the stack, it's called "pushing" it onto the stack. When the most recent data item is retrieved and removed from the structure, it's called "popping" the item from the stack. These "push" and "pop" operations may apply to an array if the item added or removed is at the end of the array.

3. A stack may refer to a collection of stacked computers or several caseless computer components in a computer farm.

4. In some video games, multiple players join to defeat a creature, creating a party or raid. When fighting some creatures, it is necessary to stack them together. When players stack, they stand in a tight group to create a smaller target for the creature to hit or share incoming damage (e.g., AoE (area of effect) damage).

5. Stacks are a collection of folders found on the far right side of the Apple dock. The three default stacks are Applications, Documents, and Downloads.

Game terms, Heap, Network terms, Programming terms, Stack pointer, Stack puke