Related:

• pessimizing compiler /pes'*-mi:z`ing k*m-pi:l'r/ n.
  A compiler that produces object [antonym of techspeak `optimizing compiler'] code that is worse than the straightforward or obvious hand translation....
• hand-hacking: n. 1. The practice of translating {hot spot}s from an {HLL} into hand-tuned assembler, as opposed to trying to coerce the compiler into generating better code.
  Both the term and the practice are becoming uncommon....
• Compiler writers optimize it, but they never get around to DOING it.
• SMOP: /S-M-O-P/ [Simple (or Small) Matter of Programming] n.
  1. A piece of code, not yet written, whose anticipated length is significantly greater than its complexity....
• infinite: adj. Consisting of a large number of objec
  extreme. Used very loosely as in: "This program produces infinite garbage....
• black art: n. A collection of arcane, unpublished, and (by implication) mostly ad-hoc techniques developed for a particular application or systems area (compare {black magic}).
  VLSI design and compiler code optimization were (in their beginnings) considered classic examples of black a...
• lop: n. 1. A one-sided {fudge factor}, that is, an allowance for error but in only one of two directions.
  For example, if you need a piece of wire 10 feet long and have to guess when you cut it, you make very sure to cut it too long, by a large amount if necessary, rather than too short by even a little bit, because you can always cut off the slop but you can't paste it back on again....
• cruft: /kruhft/ [back-formation from {crufty}] 1. n.
  An unpleasant substance. The dust that gathers under your bed is cruf...
• English: 1. n.,obs. The source code for a program, which may be in any language, as opposed to the linkable or executable binary produced from it by a compiler.
  The idea behind the term is that to a real hacker, a program written in his favorite programming language is at least as readable as English....