:green bytes: n. (also `green words') 1. Meta-information
embedded in a file, such as the length of the file or its name; as
opposed to keeping such information in a separate description file
or record. The term comes from an IBM user's group meeting
(ca. 1962) at which these two approaches were being debated and the
diagram of the file on the blackboard had the `green bytes' drawn
in green. 2. By extension, the non-data bits in any
self-describing format. "A GIF file contains, among other things,
green bytes describing the packing method for the image." Compare
{out-of-band}, {zigamorph}, {fence} (sense 1).
-- The AI Hackers Dictionary
embedded in a file, such as the length of the file or its name; as
opposed to keeping such information in a separate description file
or record. The term comes from an IBM user's group meeting
(ca. 1962) at which these two approaches were being debated and the
diagram of the file on the blackboard had the `green bytes' drawn
in green. 2. By extension, the non-data bits in any
self-describing format. "A GIF file contains, among other things,
green bytes describing the packing method for the image." Compare
{out-of-band}, {zigamorph}, {fence} (sense 1).
-- The AI Hackers Dictionary
Related:
- green bytes n.
(also `green words') 1. Meta-information
embedded in a file
such as the length of the file or its name; as opposed... - out-of-band: [from telecommunications and network theory] adj
1. In software, describes values of a function which... - Hacking X for Y: [ITS] n. Ritual phrasing of part of the
information which ITS made publicly available about each user
This information (the INQUIR record) was a sort of... - I can name that file in TWO
bytes... - magic number n.
[Unix/C; common] 1. In source code
some non-obvious constant whose value is significant... - bits: n.pl. 1. Information. Examples: "I need some bits about file
formats
("I need to know about file formats.") Compare {core... - green lightning: [IBM] n. 1. Apparently random flashing streaks on
the face of 3278-9 terminals while a new symbol set is being
downloaded
This hardware bug was left deliberately unfixed, as... - wallpaper: n. 1. A file containing a listing (e.g
assembly listing) or a transcript, esp. a file containing... - cat: [from `catenate' via {{UNIX}} `cat(1)'] vt.
1
[techspeak] To spew an entire file to the screen or...
