Related:

• hidden flag n. [scientific computation] An extra option added to a routine without changing the calling sequence.
  For example, instead of adding an explicit input variable to instruct a routine to give extra diagnostic output, the programmer might just add a test for some otherwise meaningless feature of the existing inputs, such as a negative mass....
• fence: n. 1. A sequence of one or more distinguished ({out-of-band}) characters (or other data items)
  used to delimit a piece of data intended to be treated as a unit (the computer-science literature calls this a `sentinel')....
• hook: n. A software or hardware feature included in order to simplify later additions or changes by a user.
  For example, a simple program that prints numbers might always print them in base 10, but a more flexible version would let a variable determine what base to use...
• pathological: adj. 1. [scientific computation] Used of a data set that is grossly atypical of normal expected input, esp.
  one that exposes a weakness or bug in whatever algorithm one is using....
• ad-hockery: /ad-hok'*r-ee/ [Purdue] n. 1. Gratuitous assumptions made inside certain programs, esp.
  expert systems, which lead to the appearance of semi-intelligent behavior but are in fact entirely arbitrary....
• pathological adj. 1. [scientific computation] Used of a data set that is grossly atypical of normal expected input, esp.
  one that exposes a weakness or bug in whatever algorithm one is using....
• glitch: /glich/ [from German `glitschen' to slip, via Yiddish `glitshen', to slide or skid] 1.
  . A sudden interruption in electric service, sanity, continuity, or program function....
• fence n. 1. A sequence of one or more distinguished (out-of-band) characters (or other data items)
  used to delimit a piece of data intended to be treated as a unit (the computer-science literature calls this a `sentinel')....
• munching squares: n. A {display hack} dating back to the PDP-1 (ca.
  1962, reportedly discovered by Jackson Wright), which employs a trivial computation (repeatedly plotting the graph Y = X XOR T for successive values of T --- see {HAKMEM} items 146--148) to produce an impressive display of moving and growing squares that devour the screen....