ENGLISH


Meaning of ENGLISH in English

1. (Obsolete) The source code for a program, which may be in any language, as opposed to the linkable or executable binary produced from it by a compiler. The idea behind the term is that to a real hacker, a program written in his favourite programming language is at least as readable as English. Usage: mostly by old-time hackers, though recognisable in context.

2. The official name of the database language used by the Pick operating system , actually a sort of crufty, brain-damaged SQL with delusions of grandeur. The name permits marketroid s to say "Yes, and you can program our computers in English!" to ignorant suit s without quite running afoul of the truth-in-advertising laws.

["Exploring the Pick Operating System", J.E. Sisk et al, Hayden 1986].

[ Jargon File ]

FOLDOC computer English dictionary.      Английский словарь по компьютерам FOLDOC.