lasherism

1 definition found

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

  Lasherism
  
     <jargon, algorithm> (Harvard) A program that solves a standard
     problem (such as the Eight Queens Puzzle or implementing the
     life algorithm) in a deliberately nonstandard way.
     Distinguished from a crock or kluge by the fact that the
     programmer did it on purpose as a mental exercise.  Such
     constructions are quite popular in exercises such as the
     Obfuscated C contest, and occasionally in retrocomputing.
     Lew Lasher was a student at Harvard around 1980 who became
     notorious for such behaviour.
  
     [Jargon File]
  
     (1994-12-07)