What does invoker mean?
An invoker is a person or thing that initiates another action. In everyday and specialist writing, it most often refers to a software component or user interface that calls a command, procedure, or function. For example, a method invoker may trigger a particular operation after checking whether the user is authorized to perform it. The word can also describe someone believed to call upon a deity, spirit, or supernatural power, although this sense is less common and often appears in fiction or discussions of ritual magic. The related verb invoke is much more widely used: to invoke a command, summon a response, or appeal to an authority. An invoker differs from an invoked object because it performs the act of calling rather than being the thing called upon. The noun carries a technical, functional tone in computing and a more dramatic or specialized tone in supernatural contexts. It is most useful when the identity or role of the person or system initiating an action needs to be emphasized.
nounA person or thing that invokes an action, command, procedure, or other entity. The term is especially common in computing for software or a user interface that initiates another operation.
- A person or software component that initiates a command, procedure, or other operation.
- A person who calls upon a deity, spirit, or other supernatural power.
"The command invoker displays a list of available actions when the user opens the settings panel."
"The method invoker checks the user's permissions before running the operation."
"The story's invoker recites the ritual that summons the spirit."
Used when referring to multiple people, software components, or other entities that initiate actions.
"The plugin provides several command invokers for common administrative tasks."
Invoke literally meant “call upon”; an invoker is therefore the person or mechanism that calls something forth.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does invoker come from?
The word invoker derives from the English verb invoke, which comes from Latin invocare, a form of in- and vocare meaning “call upon” or “summon.” The English agentive suffix -er was added to create invoker, literally “one who invokes.” Related words such as invocation and evocation continue the same Latin calling root, while vocation reflects the broader sense of calling associated with vocare.
How invoker is actually used
The noun invoker is relatively uncommon in general prose but is established in computing and software documentation. Its supernatural sense may sound dramatic or specialized and should be used in contexts where calling or summoning is understood figuratively or literally.
Easily confused with invoker
Invoke is the verb meaning to call upon or initiate an action, whereas an invoker is a person or system that performs that invoking.