Questions about computers, programming and IT.
11
votes
5answers
3k views
Difference between “computation” and “calculation”
If the words computation and calculation are not perfect synonyms what is the difference between them? Which one describes more accurately what is done by a person computing or calculating something ...
3
votes
3answers
100 views
“Run on an OS” vs. “run under an OS”
What is the correct way to specify the operating system you are targeting or using?
Is a program running on or under an operating system (OS)?
Is a machine running an OS or under an OS?
1
vote
1answer
111 views
What is the word for an applied template? [closed]
The notion of a template is that it is abstract and can be applied to future instances. Is there a word that means an instantiated template?
I'd prefer something that specifically refers to the fact ...
46
votes
9answers
4k views
“Username”, “user name” or “user-name”
In computer science, you should have a username or a user name or a user-name and a password to be able to log into the system.
Which one is the correct spelling?
6
votes
3answers
283 views
What is the correct pronunciation of “regex”?
The term regular expression is often shortened to regex. What is the correct pronunciation of the g in regex?
Is it like the g1 in gallium, or is it like the g2 in giraffe? I’ve heard it said both ...
6
votes
3answers
198 views
Origin and scope of “cruft”
I just had to look up "cruft" (jargon for software or hardware that is of poor quality), as used in a comment to an earlier question.
But I can't find any details of etymology, and I don't know how ...
