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]



< Previous Terms Terms Containing Lasherism Next Terms >
LART
larval stage
lase
laser
laser printer
bogo-sort
last call optimisation
last-in first-out
LAT
latch
latency