Dependent computation refers to a computation that relies on input from other computations or data values. It plays a crucial role in programming and machine learning. There are several synonyms for dependent computation, including data dependencies, interdependent computations, conditional computations, and reference dependencies. These terms are used interchangeably to describe a situation where the output of a computation is determined by the input of another computation or data value. Dependency graphs, data flow analysis, and control flow analysis are some of the methods used to manage and analyze dependent computations. Understanding dependent computation is important in ensuring that programs and systems are designed to perform optimally in different scenarios.