hack mode

2 definitions found

hack mode - Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (26 May 2007) :

  hack mode
  deep hack mode
  
     <jargon> Engaged in hacking.  A Zen-like state of total
     focus on The Problem that may be achieved when one is hacking
     (this is why every good hacker is part mystic).  Ability to
     enter such concentration at will correlates strongly with
     wizardliness; it is one of the most important skills learned
     during larval stage.  Sometimes amplified as "deep hack
     mode".
  
     Being yanked out of hack mode (see priority interrupt) may
     be experienced as a physical shock, and the sensation of being
     in hack mode is more than a little habituating.  The intensity
     of this experience is probably by itself sufficient
     explanation for the existence of hackers, and explains why
     many resist being promoted out of positions where they can
     code.  See also cyberspace.
  
     Some aspects of hackish etiquette will appear quite odd to an
     observer unaware of the high value placed on hack mode.  For
     example, if someone appears at your door, it is perfectly okay
     to hold up a hand (without turning one's eyes away from the
     screen) to avoid being interrupted.  One may read, type, and
     interact with the computer for quite some time before further
     acknowledging the other's presence (of course, he or she is
     reciprocally free to leave without a word).  The understanding
     is that you might be in hack mode with a lot of delicate
     state in your head, and you dare not swap that context out
     until you have reached a good point to pause.  See also
     juggling eggs.
  
     [Jargon File]
  
     (1996-07-31)
  

hack mode - Jargon File (4.4.4, 14 Aug 2003) :

  hack mode
   n.
  
     1. What one is in when hacking, of course.
  
     2. More specifically, a Zen-like state of total focus on The Problem
     that may be achieved when one is hacking (this is why every good
     hacker is part mystic). Ability to enter such concentration at will
     correlates strongly with wizardliness; it is one of the most
  important
     skills learned during larval stage. Sometimes amplified as deep
  hack
     mode.
  
     Being yanked out of hack mode (see priority interrupt) may be
     experienced as a physical shock, and the sensation of being in hack
     mode is more than a little habituating. The intensity of this
     experience is probably by itself sufficient explanation for the
     existence of hackers, and explains why many resist being promoted out
     of positions where they can code. See also cyberspace (sense 3).
  
     Some aspects of hacker etiquette will appear quite odd to an observer
     unaware of the high value placed on hack mode. For example, if
  someone
     appears at your door, it is perfectly okay to hold up a hand (without
     turning one's eyes away from the screen) to avoid being interrupted.
     One may read, type, and interact with the computer for quite some
  time
     before further acknowledging the other's presence (of course, he or
     she is reciprocally free to leave without a word). The understanding
     is that you might be in hack mode with a lot of delicate state
     (sense 2) in your head, and you dare not swap that context out
  until
     you have reached a good point to pause. See also juggling eggs.