<programming> The name given in {Smalltalk} and other
	{object-oriented languages} to a procedure or routine
	associated with one or more {classes}.  An {object} of a
	certain class knows how to perform actions, e.g. printing
	itself or creating a new instance of itself, rather than the
	function (e.g. printing) knowing how to handle different types
	of object.

	Different classes may define methods with the same name
	(i.e. methods may be {polymorphic}).  The term "method" is used
	both for a named operation, e.g. "PRINT" and also for the code
	which a specific class provides to perform tha
	t operation.

	Most methods operate on objects that are instances of a
	certain class.  Some object-oriented languages call these
	"object methods" to distinguish then from "{class methods}".

	In {Smalltalk}, a method is defined by giving its name,
	documentation, temporary local variables and a sequence of
	expressions separated by "."s.

	(2000-03-22)

<programming> 1. In {functional programming} and {type
	theory}, one of the symbols used to create an object with an
	{algebraic data type}.

	2. A function provided by a {class} in {C++} and some other
	{object-oriented languages} to {instantiate} an object,
	i.e. to name it and initialise it.  The constructor function
	has the same name as the class.  A class may also have a
	{destructor} function to destroy objects of that class.

	(1994-10-20)

In {object-oriented programming} sending a message to an
	{object} (to invoke a {method}) is equivalent to calling a
	{procedure} in traditional programming languages, except that
	the actual code executed may only be selected at run time
	depending on the {class} of the object.  Thus, in response to
	the message "drawSelf", the method code invoked would be
	different if the target object were a circle or a square.

	(1995-02-16)

<programming> (Or "subclass") In {object-oriented}
	programming, a {class} that is derived from a {base class} by
	{inheritance}.  The derived class contains all the features of
	the base class, but may have new features added or redefine
	existing features.

	The synonym "subclass" is possibly confusing since the derived
	class has a superset of the base class's features.

	Compare {derived type}.

	(2001-09-14)

<software> Instructions for a computer in some programming
	language, often {machine language}.  The word "code" is often
	used to distinguish instructions from {data} (e.g. "The code
	is marked 'read-only'") whereas "{software}" is used in
	contrast with "{hardware}" and may consist of more than just
	code.

	(2000-04-08)

1. <unit, text> (Sometimes abbreviated "pt") The unit of
	length used in {typography} to specify text character height,
	{rule} width, and other small measurements.

	There are six slightly different definitions: {Truchet point},
	{Didot point}, {ATA point}, {TeX point}, {Postscript point},
	and {IN point}.

	In Europe, the most commonly used is Didot and in the US, the
	formerly standard ATA point has essentially been replaced by
	the PostScript point due to the demise of traditional
	typesetting systems and rise of desktop computer based systems
	running software such as {QuarkXPress}, {Adobe InDesign} and
	{Adobe Pagemaker}.

	There are 20 {twips} in a point and 12 points in a {pica}
	(known as a "Cicero" in the Didot system).

	{Different point systems
	(http://www.vakcer.com/oberon/dtp/fonts/point.htm)}.

	(2004-12-23)

	2. <hardware> To move a {pointing device} so that the
	on-screen pointer is positioned over a certain object on the
	screen such as a {button} in a {graphical user interface}.  In
	most {window systems} it is then necessary to {click} a
	(physical) button on the pointing device to activate or select
	the object.  In some systems, just pointing to an object is
	known as "mouse-over" {event} which may cause some help text
	(called a "tool tip" in {Windows}) to be displayed.

	(2001-05-21)

<programming> (API, or "application programming interface")
	The interface (calling conventions) by which an {application
	program} accesses {operating system} and other services.  An
	API is defined at {source code} level and provides a level of
	{abstraction} between the application and the {kernel} (or
	other privileged utilities) to ensure the {portability} of the
	code.

	An API can also provide an interface between a {high level
	language} and lower level utilities and services which were
	written without consideration for the {calling conventions}
	supported by compiled languages.  In this case, the API's main
	task may be the translation of parameter lists from one format
	to another and the interpretation of {call-by-value} and
	{call-by-reference} arguments in one or both directions.

	(1995-02-15)

1. The art of debugging a blank sheet of paper (or, in these
	days of on-line editing, the art of debugging an empty file).

	2. A pastime similar to banging one's head against a wall, but
	with fewer opportunities for reward.

	3. The most fun you can have with your clothes on (although
	clothes are not mandatory).

	[{Jargon File}]

	(2003-02-12)

1. <logic> A {logical formula} in {conjunctive normal form},
	which has the {schema}

	 p1 ^ ...^ pm => q1 V ... V qn.

	or, equivalently,

	 ~p1 V ... V ~pn V q1 V ... V qn,

	where pi and qi are {atoms}.
	
	The operators ~, ^, V, => are {connectives}, where ~ stands
	for {negation}, ^ for {conjunction}, V for {disjunction} and
	=> for {implication}.

	2. <database> A part of a {SQL} statement that does not
	constitute a full statement; for e.g. a "WHERE clause".

	(2004-05-28)

<operating system, programming> The process of carrying out
	the {instructions} in a computer program by a computer.

	See also {dry run}.

	(1996-05-13)

1. <programming, operating system> A simple item of data that
	identifies a resource.  For example, a {Unix} file handle
	identifies an open file and associated data such as whether it
	was opened for read or write and the current read/write
	position.  On the {Macintosh}, a handle is a pointer to a
	pointer to some dynamically-allocated memory.  The extra level
	of indirection allows on-the-fly {memory compaction} or
	{garbage collection} without invalidating application program
	references to the allocated memory.

	2. <jargon> An alias used intended to conceal a user's true
	identity in an electronic message.  The term is common on
	Citizen's Band and other amateur radio but, in that context
	usually means the user's real name as {FCC} rules forbid
	concealing one's identity.

	Use of grandiose handles is characteristic of {crackers},
	{weenies}, {spods}, and other lower forms of network life;
	true hackers travel on their own reputations.

	Compare {nick}.

	[{Jargon File}]

	(2004-07-20)