Related:

• alt n. A tiny bit of near-random data inserted where too much regularity would be undesirable
  a data frob (sense 1). For example, the Unix crypt(3) man page mentions that "the salt string is used to perturb the DES algorithm in one of 4096 different ways....
• frob: /frob/ 1. n. [MIT] The {TMRC} definition was "FROB = a protruding arm or trunnio
  by metaphoric extension, a `frob' is any random small thing...
• magic number n. [Unix/C; common] 1. In source code
  some non-obvious constant whose value is significant to the operation of a program and that is inserted inconspicuously in-line (hardcoded), rather than expanded in by a symbol set by a commented #define....
• dev/null: /dev-nuhl/ [from the UNIX null device, used as a data sink] n.
  A notional `black hole' in any information space being discussed, used, or referred to....
• demon: n. 1. [MIT] A portion of a program that is not invoked explicitly, but that lies dormant waiting for some condition(s) to occur.
  See {daemon}. The distinction is that demons are usually processes within a program, while daemons are usually programs running on an operating system....
• ystem: n. 1. The supervisor program or OS on a computer.
  2. The entire computer system, including input/output devices, the supervisor program or OS, and possibly other software....
• microtape: /mi:'kroh-tayp/ n. Occasionally used to mean a DECtape, as opposed to a {macrotape}.
  A DECtape is a small reel, about 4 inches in diameter, of magnetic tape about an inch wide....
• gensym: /jen'sim/ [from MacLISP for `generated symbol'] 1.
  v. To invent a new name for something temporary, in such a way that the name is almost certainly not in conflict with one already in 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....