The term "np" could be considered an abbreviation, often used in various contexts, including programming, mathematics, and conversational language. In many cases, "np" is used to mean "no problem." It's a way of indicating that something is not an issue or that a favor or request is easily manageable.
The abbreviation "np" for "no problem" is derived from informal spoken language and has become more prevalent with the rise of texting and online communication. The phrase itself has been used in English for many years, but its abbreviation likely gained popularity in the 1990s with the advent of text messaging.