Definition of a fencepost error

fencepost error

noun

• a particular class of "off-by-one" errors in which the intuitive answer is incorrect. The following problem illustrates the error:
  
  "How many posts are required to build a 100 foot long fence with posts 10 feet apart?"
  
  The intuitive answer - 10 - is incorrect. (11 posts are required.)
  • See more words with the same meaning: computer slang.

  Last edited on Nov 08 2011. Submitted by WalterGR (via TheJargonFile) on Aug 14 2009.

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Slang terms with the same meaning

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(show 590 more)

Slang terms with the same root words

Other terms relating to 'error':
IBM Error	Definitions include: Sands for "Idiot Behind Machine" error.

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