Difference between revisions of "Hack (term)"
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| − | In a wide sense, a '''hack''' is a somewhat unexpected act of cleverness. | + | In a wide sense, a '''hack''' is a somewhat unexpected act of cleverness, especially including practical jokes. The term originated at [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology|MIT]], where it much later became especially associated with smart computer programmers—[[hacker]]s. |
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| + | The epicenter of the latter started at the [[Research Laboratory of Electronics]] (which had the [[TX-0]], and later one of the original [[PDP-1]]'s), with which was associated the [[Tech Model Railroad Club]] (TMRC); it later moved to [[Project MAC]]. Similar groups quickly appeared wherever enthusiastic people were allowed somewhat free rein with computers, and many adopted the hacking philosophy. | ||
A '''display hack''' is a short program that produces surprisingly complex and interesting patterns on a display. In recent times, the term '''life hack''' has come to mean a smart way to make your life easier. | A '''display hack''' is a short program that produces surprisingly complex and interesting patterns on a display. In recent times, the term '''life hack''' has come to mean a smart way to make your life easier. | ||
| − | A hack can also be a | + | A hack can also be a 'quick and dirty' solution which is somewhat unsatisfactory (also known as a '''kludge'''). |
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| + | {{semi-stub}} | ||
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| + | ==Further reading== | ||
| − | + | * Steven Levy, ''Hackers: Heroes of the Computer Revolution', Doubleday, Garden City, 1984. | |
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
* [http://hacks.mit.edu/ Gallery of hacks at MIT] | * [http://hacks.mit.edu/ Gallery of hacks at MIT] | ||
| + | * [http://catb.org/jargon/html/ The Jargon File] | ||
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| + | [[Category: Terminology]] | ||
Revision as of 20:43, 19 October 2023
In a wide sense, a hack is a somewhat unexpected act of cleverness, especially including practical jokes. The term originated at MIT, where it much later became especially associated with smart computer programmers—hackers.
The epicenter of the latter started at the Research Laboratory of Electronics (which had the TX-0, and later one of the original PDP-1's), with which was associated the Tech Model Railroad Club (TMRC); it later moved to Project MAC. Similar groups quickly appeared wherever enthusiastic people were allowed somewhat free rein with computers, and many adopted the hacking philosophy.
A display hack is a short program that produces surprisingly complex and interesting patterns on a display. In recent times, the term life hack has come to mean a smart way to make your life easier.
A hack can also be a 'quick and dirty' solution which is somewhat unsatisfactory (also known as a kludge).
Further reading
- Steven Levy, Hackers: Heroes of the Computer Revolution', Doubleday, Garden City, 1984.
