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Profile

A profile is a representation of the outline or side view of an object, especially or head, often depicted in drawings, , or architectural plans. It also denotes a concise biographical or descriptive summary of an individual's , , achievements, or professional background, providing key insights into their identity and experiences. Additionally, in contemporary contexts, a profile encompasses a collection of , settings, and preferences associated with a in digital systems, such as accounts or computer operating environments. The term "profile" entered English in the mid-17th century, derived from the profilo, meaning "a in " or "a ," which itself stems from the profilare ("to sketch lightly"), combining the pro- (forward) with Latin filum ("" or "line"). This etymology reflects its original focus on linear contours and delineations, evolving from artistic and technical representations to broader descriptive applications. In and , profiles refer to structured assessments that categorize traits, behaviors, or competencies. In , a serves as a personalized , storing elements like desktop settings, application preferences, and access permissions to ensure seamless interactions across sessions. These varied uses underscore the profile's role as a versatile tool for , , and across artistic, biographical, scientific, and technological domains.

Biographical and descriptive uses

Individual biographical profile

An individual biographical profile is a concise written or verbal summary that highlights key life events, achievements, and personal characteristics of a single person, often serving to provide insight into their identity and contributions. Unlike a full , which offers an exhaustive narrative of a life, a profile focuses on selective, illustrative details to capture essence and context. The concept traces its roots to portraiture in 15th-century , where profile views—emphasizing side outlines of the face—emerged as a convention inspired by ancient Roman coins and busts, symbolizing status and individuality among elites. This visual tradition evolved into written forms during the , with humanist scholars like and Filippo Villani producing sketches of illustrious contemporaries, blending ethical moralizing with personal anecdotes to reflect emerging . The term "profile" entered English in the from profilo, initially denoting a drawn outline or side view, particularly of a human face. By the 1730s, it had shifted to mean a biographical sketch or character study, solidifying in 19th-century periodicals through short, narrative accounts in magazines that democratized personal storytelling for broader audiences. In modern journalism, the form reached prominence with long-form profiles in publications like , which since the 1920s have emphasized immersive, character-driven narratives revealing subjects' motivations and quirks, as seen in pieces by writers like Joseph Mitchell. These evolved from 19th-century sketches but prioritize psychological depth and scene-setting over chronology. Psychological profiling extends this to a systematic assessment of an individual's traits, behaviors, and motivations, often used in clinical, forensic, or organizational contexts to predict actions or inform interventions. In criminal investigations, it involves analyzing crime scenes and to infer offender characteristics, with informal roots in the but formal development by the FBI's in the 1970s, where agents like John Douglas interviewed serial offenders to build behavioral databases. This technique, now part of the FBI's , aids in narrowing suspect pools by linking psychological patterns to evidence. Common examples include professional resumes, which distill career milestones and skills into targeted summaries, and bios on professional networking sites, where individuals outline expertise and experiences to build professional identities—distinct from comprehensive life histories.

Group or demographic profile

A group or serves as an aggregated summary of statistical characteristics shared by a segment, including attributes such as , , level, , and behavioral patterns. This approach enables researchers and analysts to identify trends and patterns within defined groups, facilitating targeted insights into collective traits rather than individual cases. Such profiles from individual characteristics to form a broader view of societal segments, aiding in the understanding of . In , demographic profiles underpin the creation of buyer , which are semi-fictional representations of ideal customers based on real demographic and behavioral data. For instance, a buyer persona might depict "urban with ," incorporating details like age (25-40), location (city centers), and spending habits to guide product development and strategies. These profiles allow marketers to segment audiences effectively, tailoring campaigns to specific economic and lifestyle traits for improved engagement. Sociologically, demographic profiles are prominently featured in census data to outline traits of ethnic, economic, or regional groups, supporting and social planning. The U.S. Census Bureau, for example, publishes Demographic Profiles that summarize characteristics like , household income, and housing occupancy for geographic areas, as seen in the 2020 reports covering over 331 million people across diverse segments. Their usage surged in the post-1950s era with the expansion of survey methodologies and the introduction of by the U.S. Bureau, which enabled detailed population analysis amid growing research. This period marked the formal emergence of as a discipline, applying modern techniques to study population changes. Examples of demographic profiles extend to political science and advertising, where they inform strategic decisions. In political science, voter profiles aggregate data on , party affiliation, and turnout rates to predict electoral behavior, such as analyses showing 45% of U.S. adults identifying or leaning Democratic as of July 2025. In advertising, consumer profiles segment audiences by demographics like income and location to optimize campaign reach, enabling personalized messaging that boosts response rates among targeted groups.

Arts, entertainment, and media

Visual arts and literature

In , a profile denotes the side view of a face, figure, or object, typically rendered as a that captures the outer and form while omitting internal details and depth, distinguishing it from frontal or three-quarter perspectives that convey volume and interaction. This technique emphasizes essential outlines to highlight shape and proportion, originating in where figures were depicted in profile for heads and limbs within a composite view that combined side and frontal elements to represent the most recognizable aspects of the subject. Similarly, ancient artists employed silhouettes in , painting figures in black slip against the clay vessel and incising linear details to define and scenes, a method that flourished from the seventh to sixth centuries BCE. Roman art popularized profile views in coinage, where emperors such as and were portrayed in strict profile to symbolize authority, continuity with classical traditions, and the ruler's idealized , often accompanied by attributes like wreaths or military attire on the obverse. During the , profile portraits became a refined convention for depicting and women, drawing on classical revival; contributed through detailed profile studies, such as his chalk drawing of an old man's aquiline head around 1490–1494, which explored anatomical precision and expression, though he later innovated by shifting toward three-quarter views in works like the to enhance psychological depth. In , profiles function as descriptive devices, offering concise outlines of characters' physical appearances, temperaments, and social positions to establish their roles early in the story. Jane Austen's novels exemplify this through character sketches that blend external traits with moral insights, as in (1813), where Elizabeth Bennet's initial description—vivacious, prejudiced, and observant—serves as a profile shaping reader expectations and development. Contemporary applications extend silhouette profiles to graphic design and branding, where simplified side-view icons and outlines create versatile, instantly recognizable symbols, such as in university or corporate emblems that prioritize for scalability across .

Music

Profile Records was an influential founded in in by Cory Robbins and Steve Plotnicki, initially focusing on 12-inch dance singles before becoming a pioneer in music during the early 1980s New York scene. The label played a key role in elevating rap to mainstream success by signing and promoting groundbreaking artists such as Run-D.M.C., whose singles like "It's Like That" (1983) and the collaborative track "" with (1986) achieved gold and platinum status, marking the first major crossover hits for the genre. Other notable releases included Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock's "" (1988), which became a platinum-selling blending with samples, and albums by artists like , Special Ed, and , contributing to Profile's reputation for treating rap with professional dignity and securing the first rap videos on . At its peak, the label distributed hundreds of thousands of records monthly and generated tens of millions in annual revenue, but it ceased operations in 1996 after being sold to . In jazz, Profile refers to the 1960 debut album by pianist and composer , recorded on October 25, 1959, for with a trio featuring bassist Gene Taylor and drummer Lex Humphries. The hard bop release showcased Pearson's elegant style and compositional skills through originals like the title track "Profile," dedicated to his mother, alongside standards such as "Little Sunflower," highlighting his emerging role as a key arranger and producer for the label in the 1960s. Various compilation albums have also borne the name Profile, including the 2012 anthology Giant Single: The Profile Records Rap Anthology, a two-disc set chronicling the label's legacy with over 30 tracks from its catalog, emphasizing its impact on the genre's golden era.

Film, television, and other media

In film, "Profile" refers to several works that explore themes of identity, deception, and digital interactions. The most prominent is the 2018 thriller Profile, directed by , which depicts a British journalist creating a to infiltrate recruitment networks targeting young women. The film, presented entirely through format—simulating computer and phone interfaces—highlights the perils of online and erosion, drawing from real practices. Released amid growing concerns over 's role in extremism, it premiered at the and received praise for its tense, innovative storytelling, though critics noted its formulaic thriller elements. By 2025, the film's themes remain pertinent, underscoring ongoing debates about digital surveillance and platform accountability in an era of heightened risks. A shorter entry is the Profile, directed by Timo Pierre Rositzki, which examines the sinister underbelly of social networking sites through a of and personal vulnerability. Clocking in at under 15 minutes, it serves as an early on digital anonymity, predating broader trends. In television, "Profile" has appeared as both series titles and episode names, often tied to investigative or biographical contexts. The 2018 American talk show Profile, hosted by journalist on , featured in-depth interviews with public figures, politicians, and influencers, emphasizing personal stories and societal impact over 10 episodes. It aimed to humanize complex topics like politics and culture, aligning with the platform's push for original video content. Earlier, the Canadian biographical series Profile (1955–1957) on profiled notable Canadians in history and arts, running for two seasons with a focus on educational storytelling. Episode-specific uses include the 1993 Law & Order installment "Profile" (Season 4, Episode 4), where detectives employ criminal profiling techniques amid controversy over to track a targeting successful in a racially integrated neighborhood, reflecting early interest in . Similarly, the 1964–1965 anthology series , inspired by John F. Kennedy's Pulitzer-winning book, dramatized acts of political bravery through standalone episodes, earning acclaim for its historical fidelity and star-studded guest appearances. Other media adaptations extend to video games and podcasts. The series, starting with the 1999 developed by , blends with side-scrolling action and turn-based combat, where players recruit "" souls to build a profile of warriors for divine battles. The franchise, published by , had sold 2.2 million units as of 2016, including sequels like Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria (2006), with further entries such as (2022), influencing JRPG design with its unique einherjar system for character progression. In audio formats, such as The Profile by Polina Pompliano (launched 2021) deliver long-form interviews with high-achievers in business and tech, profiling innovators' mindsets and strategies. Another iteration, hosted by Premier Christian Media since 2016, focuses on inspirational Christian leaders, with over 300 episodes exploring faith journeys. These works collectively illustrate "profile" as a for unveiling hidden facets of across narratives.

Computing and information technology

User and account profiles

In computing and information technology, a user profile refers to a digital collection of settings, personal information, and behavioral data associated with an individual , such as usernames, profile photos, preferences, and interaction history, stored within software systems or online platforms to facilitate personalized experiences. These profiles serve as the foundational representation of a 's in environments, enabling authentication, customization, and data-driven interactions across applications like , services, and productivity tools. The concept of user profiles emerged in the 1990s with early online forums and bulletin board systems, where users created basic accounts with usernames and simple bios to participate in discussions. This evolved significantly in the late 1990s and early 2000s through pioneering social networking sites; for instance, , launched in 1997, was the first platform to allow users to build profiles, list friends, and form connections, laying the groundwork for modern social graphs. The explosion came with in the mid-2000s, particularly following Facebook's launch in 2004, which popularized comprehensive profiles integrating photos, status updates, and social links, transforming user data into interactive, shareable entities. Prominent examples illustrate the diversity of user profiles in contemporary platforms. On , a profile typically includes a user's name, profile picture, cover photo, bio detailing interests and hometown, posts, videos, and a list of connections, allowing for multifaceted self-expression and networking. Similarly, on X (formerly ), profiles feature a header image, profile photo, display name, bio (up to 160 characters), location, website link, birthdate, and pinned posts, emphasizing concise updates and follower interactions. In dating applications like , profiles center on visual and brief textual elements, such as multiple photos, age, a short bio, and job or details, with swiping driving based on profile . These structures highlight how profiles adapt to platform goals, from broad social connectivity to targeted interpersonal discovery. User profiles raise significant concerns due to the sensitive nature of the they contain, including identifiers and behavioral insights that can be aggregated for tracking or . The European Union's (GDPR), effective since May 25, 2018, mandates explicit consent for processing such profile data, requires data minimization, and imposes fines up to 4% of global annual turnover for non-compliance, fundamentally reshaping how platforms like sites handle user information across the and beyond. By 2025, advancements in artificial intelligence have enabled dynamic user profiles in metaverse environments, where AI generates adaptive avatars and personas that evolve based on real-time interactions, enhancing immersion in platforms like Meta's Horizon Worlds. In Horizon Worlds, AI tools now support customizable, generative elements for user representations, such as dynamic backstories and interaction styles, allowing profiles to respond contextually to virtual scenarios and boost engagement by up to 15% in AI-enhanced worlds. This integration extends to broader social media, with Meta introducing AI-generated profiles on Facebook and Instagram that include bios, images, and interactive content to simulate lifelike digital identities.

Software and performance profiling

Software and performance involves recording and analyzing of a to identify bottlenecks, such as excessive CPU usage or inefficient allocation, enabling developers to optimize code efficiency. This process typically captures metrics like execution time, function call frequency, and resource consumption during runs, providing insights into where optimizations can yield the most impact. The origins of software profiling trace back to the 1970s with early Unix tools, including the prof command introduced in 1979 as part of developed at . This command provided basic execution statistics by instrumenting programs to log call counts and times, laying the foundation for later profilers like , which extended prof in 1982 to include analysis for better attribution of execution time across program structures. Common tools for performance profiling include language-specific implementations, such as Python's cProfile module, which offers deterministic profiling by tracking function calls, execution times, and cumulative statistics without significantly altering program behavior. In , VisualVM serves as a visual that integrates JDK utilities for monitoring CPU, memory, and thread activity in running applications. For C and C++ programs, the GNU profiler generates flat profiles and call graphs by compiling with flags, revealing time spent in functions and their callers. Key concepts in profiling include visualizations like call graphs, which represent functions as nodes and edges as call relationships weighted by invocation counts, and flame charts, which stack execution traces horizontally to highlight time-intensive code paths with wider bars indicating higher resource usage. A fundamental metric is the total time for a , calculated as the sum of its inclusive execution time multiplied by the number of calls, helping quantify overall contributions to program runtime: \text{Total Time} = \sum (\text{Function Time} \times \text{Calls}) This equation, where Function Time includes time spent in subroutines, is central to tools like cProfile for prioritizing optimization targets. In modern DevOps practices, profiling integrates with continuous monitoring platforms like New Relic, which provides low-overhead code profiling to detect bottlenecks in production environments, supporting faster issue resolution and deployment cycles. Advancements in 2024 have enhanced AI-assisted profiling, particularly for workloads, with tools like Profiler incorporating improved trace views and integration with TensorBoard for detailed analysis of GPU kernel launches and memory patterns in large-scale models. These updates enable more efficient troubleshooting of performance, aligning with broader AI-driven trends.

Science, engineering, and technical uses

Geometry and architecture

In geometry, a refers to the two-dimensional , , or cross-section derived from a three-dimensional object, typically by or with a . This representation captures the of the object from a specific viewpoint, such as a side view. For instance, the of a , when sectioned to its or viewed laterally, forms a bounded by two for the and two lines for the . In architecture, profiles define the contours of structural and decorative elements like moldings, cornices, and baseboards, guiding their fabrication and aesthetic integration. Classical examples include the profile, an S-shaped curve combining a and arc, often used in crown moldings for a smooth transition between walls and ceilings; and the cyma profile, a wave-like molding with opposing and curves, prominent in entablatures and architraves. These profiles originated in ancient Roman design, where in (c. 15 BCE) outlined proportional profiles for column orders, such as the Doric's simple echinus and , emphasizing symmetry and functional ornamentation in temples and public buildings. In modern (CAD) software, profile serve as the basis for generating three-dimensional models via , where a closed profile is swept along a path to create solids like pipes or extrusions. This technique relies on precise definitions to ensure accurate , as seen in tools that extrude profiles along rails for complex shapes. Profile are often parameterized for computational efficiency; a basic linear profile in follows the equation y = mx + c, where m represents the and c the , facilitating straightforward representation in technical sketches. The depiction of profiles in technical drawings adheres to international standards established by , first introduced in 1982 and revised multiple times to include conventions for line types, views, and simplified representations of sections like bars and profiles. This standardization ensures clarity and interoperability in engineering documentation, specifying how profiles are projected in orthographic views.

Statistics and data analysis

In statistics, a profile refers to a graphical or numerical summary that illustrates how a specific in a varies while optimizing over other parameters, often to assess or model fit. This concept is central to likelihood-based , where the profile likelihood for a parameter of interest \theta is obtained by maximizing the over the nuisance parameters \eta, yielding the profile log-likelihood l_p(\theta) = \max_{\eta} l(\theta, \eta \mid y), with l denoting the log-likelihood and y the observed data. This approach allows for focused analysis of \theta without full joint optimization, providing a one-dimensional slice through the multidimensional likelihood surface. The foundations of profile likelihood trace back to Ronald A. Fisher's development of in the , formalized in his 1922 paper, which established the likelihood as a basis for parameter estimation and . Fisher later applied profile likelihood for in 1956, using it to compute relative likelihoods in analysis, marking an early explicit use for deriving confidence intervals from profiled surfaces. A key application is the profile likelihood ratio test, where the statistic -2 [l_p(\theta) - l(\hat{\theta})] follows an asymptotic \chi^2 distribution under the that \theta takes a specific value, enabling testing and confidence regions superior to Wald intervals in cases of asymmetry or boundary parameters. In , profile likelihoods are employed to construct confidence intervals for parameters in nonlinear models, where traditional methods may fail due to non-normality. Additionally, residuals—by examining their distribution or patterns after maximizing the likelihood—helps detect outliers that disproportionately influence model estimates, as deviations in profiled residual plots signal influential observations. In Bayesian contexts, analogous profile posteriors are computed by maximizing the posterior over nuisance parameters, yielding p_p(\theta \mid y) \propto \max_{\eta} p(\theta, \eta \mid y), which facilitates credible intervals and model comparison while marginalizing uncertainty in high-dimensional settings. As of 2025, profile analysis has gained traction in applications within , particularly for parameter identifiability in hierarchical and models trained on massive datasets. Tools like R's profile() function in the stats package enable efficient computation of profile likelihoods for generalized linear models and beyond, supporting diagnostics in scalable frameworks such as those used for predictive in large-scale epidemiological or genomic . This ties briefly to applied , where profile methods inform demographic modeling by quantifying parameter variability in population-level regressions.

Other uses

Business and marketing

In business contexts, a company profile serves as a concise summary of an organization's operations, history, , goals, strengths, financial performance, position, structure, and growth strategies, often featured on platforms, corporate websites, or decks to stakeholders and potential partners. These profiles provide a snapshot that aids in strategic decision-making, such as mergers or investments, by highlighting key operational details without delving into exhaustive financial audits. In marketing, the term "profile" extends to customer profiling, a data-driven that constructs detailed portraits of buyers based on purchasing behaviors, preferences, and interactions to enable and personalized campaigns. Unlike basic demographic segmentation, customer profiling emphasizes behavioral insights, such as buying patterns and pain points, derived from surveys, transaction data, and digital footprints to optimize and improve conversion rates. For instance, platforms use these profiles to tailor recommendations, reducing ad waste and enhancing loyalty through precise targeting. Branding strategies often contrast high-profile approaches, which prioritize visibility through aggressive promotion, celebrity endorsements, and broad exposure to build widespread recognition, with low-profile tactics that focus on niche communities, subtle , and to foster deep, authentic connections without overt self-promotion. High-profile suits mass-market products aiming for rapid scale, while low-profile methods benefit specialized or B2B sectors where and exclusivity drive . Annual reports frequently incorporate executive profiles to humanize , detailing the backgrounds, expertise, and visions of CEOs and key team members alongside financial summaries and strategic outlooks, thereby building investor confidence in the company's direction. These profiles appear in sections like management discussions, offering insights into how executives navigate market challenges. The concept of profiling gained prominence in business literature with the development of strategic planning tools in the mid-20th century, including SWOT analysis, which was created in the 1960s by Albert S. Humphrey at the Stanford Research Institute (SRI) as part of long-range planning efforts. SWOT systematically assesses an organization's internal strengths and weaknesses against external opportunities and threats to inform competitive positioning. Evolving from earlier SOFT (Satisfactory, Opportunities, Faults, Threats) models, it became a staple in corporate strategy by the 1970s and 1980s, integrating profile-like assessments into routine business evaluations. As of 2025, has transformed business profiling on platforms like , where models generate predictive profiles forecasting growth trajectories, funding likelihood, and similar company matches based on historical data patterns, enhancing post-2024 capabilities for investors seeking proactive insights.

Sports and military

In sports, a serves as a statistical summary that encapsulates an athlete's performance metrics, career achievements, and physical attributes to inform , , and fan engagement. These profiles originated in the with the standardization of box scores in , pioneered by Henry Chadwick, who introduced the format in 1859 to record hits, runs, and other game data using abbreviations and player positions. By the late 1800s, this evolved into comprehensive player cards, such as early trading cards that featured batting averages, home runs, and fielding percentages alongside . Modern examples include NFL player profiles on , which detail metrics like passing yards, tackles, and rates for quarterbacks and defenders, updated in real-time during the 2025 season. The rise of has further expanded player profiles into digital formats, particularly in competitive titles like , where they track in-game statistics such as kill-death-assist ratios (), creep score per minute, and damage output. Since 2023, these profiles have grown in prominence with the professionalization of , culminating in detailed breakdowns during the 2025 World Championship, where top players like and Canyon were ranked by performance metrics across tournaments. Platforms like Leaguepedia provide these profiles to highlight strategic roles and seasonal trends, aiding team compositions and viewer analysis. In military contexts, a profile often refers to side-view silhouettes or outlines used for reconnaissance and identification, enabling rapid visual differentiation of assets like aircraft or vehicles during operations. This practice dates to World War II, when Allied and Axis forces employed silhouette charts for aircraft recognition, featuring side, top, and frontal profiles to distinguish friend from foe based on wing shapes, fuselage lengths, and engine placements. For instance, U.S. military manuals from the era included standardized side profiles of bombers and fighters to train spotters in anti-aircraft defense. Operational profiles in the describe planned trajectories or flight paths, outlining altitude, speed, and waypoints for or drones to ensure coordination and minimize risks. These profiles are integral to , as detailed in U.S. tactical forms that map routes for or operations. Publications like provide detailed profiles of platforms, including side-view diagrams, specifications, and operational capabilities for assets such as fighters and drones, supporting as of 2025.