ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Write-only memory (engineering)

Write-only memory is like a drawer that you can only put things in, but you can never take things out. It’s a way that engineers design a type of computer memory that can only be programmed once, but then can’t be changed after that.

Think of it like a special notebook that only lets you write on the pages, but you can’t erase or cross anything out. You have to be very careful and make sure you write everything correctly the first time.

Engineers use write-only memory in situations where they need to store important information or code that needs to be protected from accidental changes or tampering. Once the code is written correctly and loaded into the memory, it’s locked down and can’t be modified.

Sometimes engineers use write-only memory for things like security keys or passwords, that need to be kept secret and can’t be changed. Other times it’s used for things like firmware, which is a special type of software that controls the hardware of a device like a printer or camera.

In summary, write-only memory is a special type of computer memory that can only be programmed once and then can’t be changed. Engineers use it for situations where they need to protect important information or code from accidental changes or tampering.
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