<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)

<programming> A sequence of {data} values, usually {bytes},
	which usually stand for {characters} (a "character string").
	The {mapping} between values and characters is determined by
	the {character set} which is itself specified implcitly or
	explicitly by the environment in which the string is being
	interpreted.

	The most common character set is {ASCII} but, since the late
	1990s, there has been increased interest in larger character
	sets such as {Unicode} where each character is represented by
	more than eight {bits}.

	Most programming languages consider strings (e.g.
	"124:shabooya:\n", "hello world") basically distinct from
	numbers which are typically stored in fixed-length {binary} or
	{floating-point} representation.

	A {bit string} is a sequence of {bits}.

	(1999-12-21)

<architecture> {Data} transferred from a computer system to
	the outside world via some kind of {output device}.

	Opposite: {input}.

	(1997-04-28)

<data> A data structure holding many values, possibly of
	different types, which is usually accessed sequentially,
	working from the head to the end of the tail - an "ordered
	list".  This contrasts with a (one-dimensional) {array}, any
	element of which can be accessed equally quickly.

	Lists are often stored using a cell and pointer arrangement
	where each value is stored in a cell along with an associated
	pointer to the next cell.  A special pointer, e.g. zero, marks
	the end of the list.  This is known as a (singly) "linked
	list".  A doubly linked list has pointers from each cell to
	both next and previous cells.

	An unordered list is a {set}.

	(1998-11-12)

<messaging> (Plural "fora" or "forums") Any discussion group
	accessible through a dial-in {BBS} (e.g. {GEnie}, {CI$}), a
	{mailing list}, or a {Usenet} {newsgroup} (see {network,
	the}).  A forum functions much like a {bulletin board}; users
	submit {postings} for all to read and discussion ensues.

	Contrast real-time {chat} or point-to-point personal {e-mail}.

	[{Jargon File}]

	(1998-01-18)