Hidden flag
(scientific computation) An extra option added to a routine without changing the calling sequence. For example, instead of adding an explicit input variable to instruct a routine to give extra diagnostic output, the programmer might just add a test for some otherwise meaningless feature of the existing inputs, such as a negative mass. The use of hidden flags can make a program very hard to debug and understand, but is all too common wherever programs are hacked in a hurry.
[Jargon File]
(1994-11-24)
Read Also:
- Hidden hand
noun 1. an unknown force or influence believed to be the cause of certain, often unfortunate, events
- Hiddenite
[hid-n-ahyt] /ˈhɪd nˌaɪt/ noun, Mineralogy. 1. a rare, transparent variety of spodumene, colored yellow-green to emerald-green by chromium: used as a gem. /ˈhɪdəˌnaɪt/ noun 1. a green transparent variety of the mineral spodumene, used as a gemstone
- Hiddenly
[hid-n] /ˈhɪd n/ adjective 1. concealed; obscure; covert: hidden meaning; hidden hostility. verb 2. past participle of 1 . /ˈhɪdən/ verb 1. a past participle of hide1 adjective 2. concealed or obscured: a hidden cave, a hidden meaning adj. past participle of hide (v.1); a Middle English formation (Old English had gehydd “hidden”) on the […]
- Hiddenness
[hid-n] /ˈhɪd n/ adjective 1. concealed; obscure; covert: hidden meaning; hidden hostility. verb 2. past participle of 1 . /ˈhɪdən/ verb 1. a past participle of hide1 adjective 2. concealed or obscured: a hidden cave, a hidden meaning n. late 14c., from hidden + -ness. adj. past participle of hide (v.1); a Middle English formation […]
- Hidden reserve
noun funds that are not declared in an organization’s accounting books; also called secret reserve noun capabilities beyond those normally available to someone noun something kept in reserve and concealed, esp. not declared on a balance sheet or account Examples She has a hidden reserve of candy bars.