Cool Jargon of the Day

Serving Hacker Jargon to the Internet since Jan 1995.

English 1. /n. obs./ The source code for a program, which may be in any language, as opposed to the linkable or executable binary produced from it by a compiler. The idea behind the term is that to a real hacker, a program written in his favorite programming language is at least as readable as English. Usage: mostly by old-time hackers, though recognizable in context. 2. The official name of the database language used by the Pick Operating System, actually a sort of crufty, brain-damaged SQL with delusions of grandeur. The name permits marketroids to say "Yes, and you can program our computers in English!" to ignorant suits without quite running afoul of the truth-in-advertising laws.

Cool Jargon changes every 00:00 GMT. Please come back often.

The Best InterNet Reference Desk

Search by keywords:

Buy the book, The New Hacker's Dictionary,

Paperback, Hardcover.

This page is maintained by
Stephen Jazdzewski (Steve@Jazd.com) and
Charles Jazdzewski (Chuck@Jazd.com) Page Awards

Back to ADB.Net