What is reverse engineering?

Reverse engineering is the process of taking something apart and analyzing its workings in order to understand how it operates, its components, and the principles behind its design. This method is commonly used to deconstruct a product or system to gain insights into its functionality, performance, and design specifications. By dissecting an object, engineers can identify its strengths and weaknesses, improve on existing designs, or create similar products.

This practice is fundamental in various fields, including software development, mechanical design, and electronics, as it allows designers to learn from existing technologies, innovate, and enhance product quality. The understanding gained through reverse engineering can lead to the development of more efficient or cost-effective alternatives.

In contrast, creating new designs from scratch focuses on originality and innovation without relying on existing models. Repairing worn-out items concerns maintenance rather than understanding their design and operation in detail. Evaluating user feedback on a product is about gathering opinions and insights rather than understanding the engineering or mechanical workings of the product itself.