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What is hacking?
Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2010 8:08 am
by alex.barylski
How do you define hacking?
1. Hacking is required when client developers need to begin changing core code/functionality to meet their requirements?
2. Hacking is any coding process that is adhoc, uncoordinated, unplanned, sloppy, etc?
Both? Something else?
Cheers,
Alex
Re: What is hacking?
Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2010 8:25 am
by Weirdan
You're missing several meanings:
Urban dictionary wrote:
hack
v.
- To program a computer in a clever, virtuosic, and wizardly manner. [...]
- To break into computer systems with malicious intent. [...]
- To jury-rig or improvise something inelegant but effective, usually as a temporary solution to a problem. See noun sense 2.
n.
- A clever or elegant technical accomplishment, especially one with a playful or prankish bent. [...]
- A temporary, jury-rigged solution, especially in the fields of computer programming and engineering: the technical equivalent of chewing gum and duct tape. [...]
Re: What is hacking?
Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2010 9:18 am
by s.dot
I define hacking as making a quick fix to a problem rather than properly fixing it.
I hack more than I should.
Re: What is hacking?
Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2010 10:01 am
by alex.barylski
To break into computer systems with malicious intent.
I would classify that as "cracking" not hacking :p
Cheers,
Alex
Re: What is hacking?
Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2010 2:53 pm
by pickle
s.dot wrote:I define hacking as making a quick fix to a problem rather than properly fixing it.
Lots of possible uses for the term "hacking", but this definition fits my usage of the word most often.
Re: What is hacking?
Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2010 3:11 pm
by josh
Hacking is what your client doesn't understand or care about (this extends to all uses)
Re: What is hacking?
Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2010 1:51 am
by Christopher
I also think it matter how the word is used and in what context. A "hacker" is probably most often considered what you call a cracker. However, if you call some code "a hack" might make you think of it as a quick fix. Calling a programmer "a hack" would probably be derogatory. And the word hacking can be used in conjunction with other words to produce different meanings. "to hack into" implies cracking, whereas "to hack away at" might be fixing code and "to hack out" might be producing new code.
Wikionary gives these definition:
Verb
4. (slang, computing) To hack into; to gain unauthorized access to a computer system (e.g. website) or network by manipulating code; a crack.
5. (computing) To accomplish a difficult programming task.
6. (computing) To make a quick code change to patch a computer program, often one that is inelegant or that makes the program harder to maintain.
7. To work on an intimately technical level. e.g. "I'm currently hacking distributed garbage collection."
Noun
6. (computing, slang) An illegal attempt to gain access to a computer network.
7. (computing) An interesting technical achievement, particularly in computer programming.
8. (computing) A small code change meant to patch a problem as quickly as possible.
9. (computing) An expedient, temporary solution, meant to be replaced with a more elegant solution at a later date.
Re: What is hacking?
Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2010 2:49 am
by jagannathg
Hello PCSpectra,
Hacking refers to the re-configuring or re-programming of a system to function in ways not facilitated by the owner, administrator, or designer. The term(s) have several related meanings in the technology and computer science fields, wherein a "hack" may refer to a clever or quick fix to a computer program problem, or to what may be perceived to be a clumsy or inelegant (but usually relatively quick) solution to a problem, such as a "kludge".
The terms "hack" and "hacking" are also used to refer to a modification of a program or device to give the user access to features that were otherwise unavailable, such as by circuit bending. It is from this usage that the term "hacking" is often used to refer to more nefarious criminal uses such as identity theft, credit card fraud or other actions categorized as computer crime.
Source: Wiki (You can actually read and get more about this Hacking great information)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hack_(technology)
Regards,
Jagannath
Re: What is hacking?
Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2010 4:28 am
by VladSun
A hacker is a person who has very deep knowledge about how a system works.
That's the common usage.
Every cracker is a hacker, but not every hacker is a cracker.