für etw. zu Grunde gelegt werden

English translation: forming the basis

06:40 Aug 11, 2011

German to English translations [PRO]
Tech/Engineering - Computers: Software

German term or phrase: für etw. zu Grunde gelegt werden

Das Ziel der defensiven Programmierung ist das Sicherstellen eines definierten Verhaltens der Software sogar bei unerwarteten Zuständen. Dies erfolgt dadurch, dass möglichst viele Voraussetzungen, die für die Abarbeitung eines Software-Teils zu Grunde gelegt werden, zunächst überprüft werden, bevor der eigentliche Selbstzweck erfüllt wird.

The goal of defensive programming is ensuring a defined performance of the software even in unexpected conditions. This is done through the fact that as many requirements as possible which form the basis for the execution of a software part are checked first, before the individual end in itself is fulfilled.

I don't think I understand the grammar of the bolded passage, as evidenced by the fact that when I try to read the German, I get a headache. Can someone help me figure this out? The requirements take as a basis for the execution of a software part? What?

flaggthecat KudoZ activity Questions: 87 (none open) (2 without valid answers) Answers: 0
Local time: 04:04

English translation:forming the basis

Explanation:
.... as many requirements forming the basis for executing a software component as possible are checked before....

Selected response from:

Max Hellwig
Germany
Local time: 11:04

Grading comment

This answer gives a very plausible literal translation. Thanks.
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer

Summary of answers provided

forming the basis

Max Hellwig

defined as the basis (in this context)

Mark Flynn

3 -2

to take as a basis partially

keya (X)

Discussion entries: 2

Answers

18 mins confidence:

peer agreement (net): -2

to take as a basis partially

Explanation:
many conditions which are necessary for processing the Software can be taken as a base, it needs to be checked, beforehand.

Reference: http://www.dict.cc/?s=zu+Grunde+legen

keya (X)
Local time: 14:34
Works in field
Native speaker of:

English,

Hindi
PRO pts in category: 4

2 hrs confidence:

forming the basis

Explanation:
.... as many requirements forming the basis for executing a software component as possible are checked before....

Max Hellwig
Germany
Local time: 11:04
Native speaker of:

German
PRO pts in category: 4

Grading comment

This answer gives a very plausible literal translation. Thanks.

2 hrs confidence:

defined as the basis (in this context)

Explanation:
My understanding is best explained by translating the sentence:

This is done by first checking as many conditions (defined as the basis for processing a software component) as possible before the actaul task at hand is completed.

Note that I generally prefer to avoid brackets, but find them a useful treatment for this particular headache.

Mark Flynn
Germany
Local time: 11:04
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 12

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