number-crunching

1 definition found

number-crunching - Jargon File (4.4.4, 14 Aug 2003) :

  number-crunching
   n.
  
     [common] Computations of a numerical nature, esp. those that make
     extensive use of floating-point numbers. The only thing Fortrash is
     good for. This term is in widespread informal use outside hackerdom
     and even in mainstream slang, but has additional hackish
  connotations:
     namely, that the computations are mindless and involve massive use of
     brute force. This is not always evil, esp. if it involves ray
     tracing or fractals or some other use that makes pretty pictures,
     esp. if such pictures can be used as screen backgrounds. See also
     crunch.