Definition of heisenbug

heisenbug

noun

• in computing, a bug that disappears or changes its behavior when an attempt is found to locate its source or to generally investigate it.
  
  This is an actual occurrence, since tools such as debuggers do change a program's behavior. Even "innocuous" techniques such emitting debugging output to a console changes the runtime of programs and can affect timing-related issues.
  • See more words with the same meaning: computer slang.

  Last edited on Nov 15 2011. Submitted by WalterGR (via TheJargonFile) on Aug 14 2009.

origin

• From "Heisenberg" + "bug". A reference to Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle in quantum physics.

  Last edited on Nov 15 2011. Submitted by WalterGR (via TheJargonFile) on Aug 14 2009.

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Slang terms with the same meaning

Other terms relating to 'computer slang':
WBU	Definitions include: "what about you".
baz	Definitions include: in computing, an example or placeholder variable.
GTS	Definitions include: acronym for "Google that shit".
astroturfing	Definitions include: the use of paid employees or contractors - or people who otherwise have a stake - to astroturf.
tl;wrl	Definitions include: acronym for "too long; will read later".
architecture astronaut	Definitions include: a person who over-designs technical solutions, especially related to programming.
IDKK	Definitions include: acronym for "I don't know know!".
E-bling	Definitions include: An aggregate grouping or series of stylized printings, fonts, icons, emoticons, avatars, proverbs, etc., usually found at the end of an e-mail message uniquely identifying and personifying the sender.
doorstop	Definitions include: a piece of non-functioning or outdated equipment that is inexplicably kept on premises - perhaps to serve as a doorstop.
handwave	Definitions include: an insufficient (and often dismissive) explanation of something complex.
benchy	Definitions include: "benchmark".
RT	Definitions include: acronym for "re-tweet."
GFY	Definitions include: acronym for "go fuck yourself".
JFC	Definitions include: acronym for "Jesus Fucking Christ".
MFW	Definitions include: acronym for "my face when".
(show 591 more)

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B and T	Definitions include: "bridge and tunnel".
off-the-shelf	Definitions include: of a product, as-is rather than custom-built.
lady's front bottom	Definitions include: A lady's private parts.
okies	Definitions include: OK.
f*ck buddy	Definitions include: a friend with whom one has sex, without emotional attachment or commitment.
more better	Definitions include: better.
off the clock	Definitions include: very nice looking or cool.
astroturfing	Definitions include: the use of paid employees or contractors - or people who otherwise have a stake - to astroturf.
balling	Definitions include: See ball; baller
Retardomasochism	Definitions include: The process of Emotionally-motivated buying up of a 70% cliff drop 'Dip' on a meme stock with funds secured by student loans and/or 11% interest-on-the-principle- per month credit loans after having sold one's car and Mother's wedding ring to buy in initially at a grossly artificially inflated ATH to which said stock will never return to the end of affronting Hedge funds which will inevitably cover their losses regardless and who are insulated from real market forces by the very bureaucracies and Politicians one believes will save the day.

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