Computing (FOLDOC) dictionary
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[By analogy with the toyboxes on theatre organs]. Features
added to a program or system to make it more
flavourful from
a hacker's point of view, without necessarily adding to its
utility for its primary function. Distinguished from
chrome, which is intended to attract users. "Now that we've
got the basic program working, let's go back and add some
bells and whistles." No one seems to know what distinguishes
a bell from a whistle.