What Does "ibatis" Mean?
Today, the word "ibatis" is synonymous with the SQL Maps and the DAO frameworks --much like "xerox" is synonymous with "photocopy". But there is a meaning to the name.
Recall that iBATIS has roots in cryptography software. iBATIS was actually named by combining two words: "internet" and "abatis". Reference.com defines abatis this way:
- ab-a-tis
n. pl. ab-a-tis (-tz) or ab-a-tis-es (-t-sz)
A defensive obstacle made by laying felled trees on top of each other with branches, sometimes sharpened, facing the enemy.
Combining the typical "i" from Internet and "batis" form abatis therefore gave the implicit meaning of a defense for the Internet --in the case of iBATIS it was cryptographic defense provided by the Secrets application.
How do you pronounce iBATIS?
Since we invented the word, we get to say it however we like. :-)
We pronounce it: eye-BAT-iss
However, based on its heritage, it probably should be pronounced eye-BATE-iss, but like we said, we invented it!