: to set (something, such as a computer program counter) to a starting position, value, or configuration.

What is the purpose of initialization?

Initialization is the process of locating and using the defined values for variable data that is used by a computer program. For example, an operating system or application program is installed with default or user-specified values that determine certain aspects of how the system or program is to function.

What does it mean to initialize a program?

In computer programming, initialization (or initialisation) is the assignment of an initial value for a data object or variable. The manner in which initialization is performed depends on programming language, as well as type, storage class, etc., of an object to be initialized.