Lasherism
<jargon, algorithm> (Harvard) A program that solves a standard problem (such as the
Eight Queens Puzzle or implementing the
life algorithm) in a deliberately nonstandard way. Distinguished from a
crock or
kluge by the fact that the programmer did it on purpose as a mental exercise.
Such constructions are quite popular in exercises such as the
Obfuscated C contest, and occasionally in
retrocomputing. Lew Lasher was a student at Harvard around 1980 who became notorious for such behaviour.
[
Jargon File]
