Software defect (nonfiction)
A software defect (or bug) is an error, flaw, failure, or fault in a computer program or system that causes it to produce an incorrect or unexpected result, or to behave in unintended ways.
Description
A program that contains a large number of defects, and/or defects that seriously interfere with its functionality, is said to be buggy.
Commentary
In his memoirs, pioneering computer scientist Maurice Wilkes (nonfiction) wrote:
I well remember when this realization first came on me with full force. The EDSAC was on the top floor of the building and the tape-punching and editing equipment one floor below. [...] It was on one of my journeys between the EDSAC room and the punching equipment that "hesitating at the angles of stairs" the realization came over me with full force that a good part of the remainder of my life was going to be spent in finding errors in my own programs.
In the News
Fiction cross-reference
- Buggy Software - song
- Crimes against mathematical constants
- Gnomon algorithm
- Gnomon Chronicles
- Killer Poke - software defect for hire and contract killer for Murder, Incorporated 1.1.
- Pi disaster
Nonfiction cross-reference
External links
- Software bug @ Wikipedia