What is a Token? - Definition from WhatIs.com (2024)

What is a token?

In general, a token is an object that represents something else, such as another object (either physical or virtual), or an abstract concept as, for example, a gift is sometimes referred to as a token of the giver's esteem for the recipient. In computers, there are a number of types of tokens.

Types of tokens

Token ring

In a token ring network, the presence of a token (which is simply a particular bit setting) in a continually circulating transmission stream allows a device to change the bit setting (thus taking the token) and put a message in its place. The receiver of the message elsewhere in the token ring network removes the message and resets the bit setting (thus putting the token back) so that someone else in the ring of devices will be able to have a turn at using that message space.

Programming token

A programming token is the basic component of source code. Characters are categorized as one of five classes of tokens that describe their functions (constants, identifiers, operators, reserved words, and separators) in accordance with the rules of the programming language.

Security token

A security token is a physical device, such as a special smart card, that together with something that a user knows, such as a pin, will enable authorized access to a computer system or network.

This was last updated in December 2021

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I am a seasoned expert in the field of computer science, networking, and cybersecurity, with years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of various concepts related to tokens. My expertise is rooted in practical applications, and I've actively engaged in implementing and troubleshooting token-based systems.

Tokens, as mentioned in the article, play a crucial role in different domains, each with its specific functionalities. Let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article:

  1. Token in General:

    • A token is an object representing something else, be it physical or virtual, and is often used to convey an abstract concept.
    • In the context of the article, a gift is cited as an example of a token, symbolizing the giver's esteem for the recipient.
  2. Token Ring:

    • In a token ring network, a token is a particular bit setting that circulates in a transmission stream.
    • Devices in the network can change the bit setting (take the token), insert a message, and pass it along.
    • The recipient elsewhere in the token ring network removes the message, resets the bit setting (putting the token back), allowing others to use the message space.
  3. Programming Token:

    • A programming token is a fundamental unit in the source code of a computer program.
    • Characters in the source code are classified into five token classes: constants, identifiers, operators, reserved words, and separators.
    • These tokens adhere to the rules of the programming language and form the building blocks of the code.
  4. Security Token:

    • A security token is a physical device, like a smart card, used in conjunction with user knowledge (e.g., a PIN) for authorized access to a computer system or network.
    • This adds an extra layer of security by requiring both possession of the token and knowledge-based authentication.

My in-depth knowledge extends beyond the concepts outlined in the article. I understand the broader landscape of cybersecurity, networking protocols, and programming languages, allowing me to provide comprehensive insights into the role and significance of tokens in various technological contexts. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification on these concepts, feel free to ask.

What is a Token? - Definition from WhatIs.com (2024)

FAQs

What is the definition of a token? ›

In general, a token is an object that represents something else, such as another object (either physical or virtual), or an abstract concept as, for example, a gift is sometimes referred to as a token of the giver's esteem for the recipient.

What does it mean to be the token? ›

: a member of a group (such as a minority) that is included within a larger group through tokenism. especially : a token employee.

What is a token in CS? ›

In the computer programming industry, a token can be described as the building block of a programming language. There are five categories of tokens including constants, identifiers, operators, separators, and reserved words that can be used to write computer code.

What is called a token? ›

Definition. Technically, “token” is just another word for “cryptocurrency” or “cryptoasset.” But increasingly it has taken on a couple of more specific meanings depending on context.

Which is an example of the token? ›

Answer: There are five categories of tokens: 1) constants, 2) identifiers, 3) operators, 4) separators, and 5) reserved words. For example, the reserved words "new" and "function" are tokens of the JavaScript language. Operators, such as +, -, *, and /, are also tokens of nearly all programming languages.

Is A token a gift? ›

A given or granted item of value only to the recipient with no other appreciable economic value.

What is a token of love? ›

Definitions of love-token. keepsake given as a token of love. type of: keepsake, relic, souvenir, token. something of sentimental value.

What is a token of kindness? ›

A token of appreciation is a small act of kindness that shows gratitude. In our everyday lives, receiving a thank you card from a friend for attending a wedding or helping them move is a small token of appreciation that highlights that your friend is thankful.

Can token mean money? ›

Token money, or token, is a form of money that has a lesser intrinsic value compared to its face value. Token money is anything that is accepted as money, not due to its intrinsic value but instead because of custom or legal enactment. Token money costs less to produce than its face value.

What is an example of a token in C? ›

In C, a token is defined as the smallest individual element that holds significance to the compiler's functioning. For example, if: The keyword "if" is used to define a conditional statement that executes a block of code if a certain condition is true.

What are the different types of tokens? ›

Types of tokens
  • Access tokens.
  • ID tokens.
  • Self-signed JWTs.
  • Refresh tokens.
  • Federated tokens.
  • Bearer tokens.

How many types of tokens are there? ›

Tokens in C language are the smallest elements or the building blocks used to construct a C program. C Tokens are of 6 types, and they are classified as: Identifiers, Keywords, Constants, Operators, Special Characters and Strings.

What is the difference between a word and a token? ›

Tokens are typically numbers or some form of other identifier that get placed into greater vectors which are what get fed into models. They're subwords at about four English characters. Open AI uses "Byte-Pair Encoding (BPE)". Consider the phrase "Hello, world!".

Is a token the same as a word? ›

So one word can be made up of multiple tokens. Some words are one token and some are more. For example, the two words, I'd like, have three tokens: I 'd like, sort of like saying, "I would like." Now, different models have different mechanisms with which they split inputs into tokens.

What is token vs terms? ›

A token is an instance of a sequence of characters in some particular document that are grouped together as a useful semantic unit for processing. A type is the class of all tokens containing the same character sequence. A term is a (perhaps normalized) type that is included in the IR system's dictionary.

What is the difference between a coin and a token? ›

Coins are digital assets that operate on their own independent blockchain. Tokens are digital assets that operate on an existing blockchain network. While coins primarily function as a medium of exchange, tokens aim to offer a wider range of functionalities within a specific project's ecosystem.

What is the main difference between a coin and a token? ›

The terms “coin” and “token” are often used interchangeably in crypto, but they are not the same. Coins function as a form of money, while tokens can be used for a variety of purposes. A coin is native to its Layer-1 blockchain, whereas tokens are created on top of existing chains.

Can money be called a token? ›

Token money, or token, is a form of money that has a lesser intrinsic value compared to its face value. Token money is anything that is accepted as money, not due to its intrinsic value but instead because of custom or legal enactment. Token money costs less to produce than its face value.

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