Computer science: what is a search mask?
Self-tutoring about computer science terminology: the tutor mentions “search mask”.
As I understand:
search mask (n): a pattern that matches must follow. The masked parts are variable, possibly indicated by wildcards. An example might be qu#te, # being the wildcard. Such a mask will match “quote” as well as “quite”.
Source:
Jack of Oracle Tutoring by Jack and Diane, Campbell River, BC.