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)