To convert external names, array indices, or
references within a data structure into address pointers when the
data structure is brought into main memory from external storage
(also called `pointer swizzling'); this may be done for speed in
chasing references or to simplify code (e.g., by turning lots of
name lookups into pointer dereferences). The converse operation is
sometimes termed `unswizzling'. See also snap.
Related:
wizzle: v. To convert external names, array indice or references
within a data structure into address pointers when the data
structure is brought into main memory from external storage (also
called `pointer swizzling')...
aliasing bug: n. A class of subtle programming errors that can
arise in code that does dynamic allocation, esp. via
`malloc(3)' or equivalent. If several pointers address
(`aliases for') a given hunk of storage, it may happen that the
storage is freed or reallocated (and thus moved) through one alias
and then referenced through another, which may lead to subtle (and
possibly intermittent) lossage depending on the state and the
allocation history of the malloc {arena}....