Tool




1. <tool> A program used primarily to create, manipulate, modify, or analyse other programs, such as a compiler or an editor or a cross-referencing program.

Opposite: app, operating system.

2. A Unix application program with a simple, "transparent" (typically text-stream) interface designed specifically to be used in programmed combination with other tools (see filter, plumbing).

3. <jargon> (MIT: general to students there) To work; to study (connotes tedium).

The TMRC Dictionary defined this as "to set one's brain to the grindstone".

See hack.

4. <jargon, person> (MIT) A student who studies too much and hacks too little.

MIT's student humour magazine rejoices in the name "Tool and Die".

[Jargon File]



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token bus
token ring
Tom Knight
tone
Tony Hoare
9PAC
aard
Abstract Windowing Toolkit
Abstract Window Toolkit
Active Language I
toolbar
toolbook
Toolbuilder
Tool Builder Kit
Tool Command Language