larval stage
Describes a period of monomaniacal concentration on coding apparently passed
through by all fledgling hackers. Common symptoms include the perpetration of
more than one 36-hour hacking run in a given week; neglect of all other
activities including usual basics like food, sleep, and personal hygiene; and a
chronic case of advanced bleary-eye. Can last from 6 months to 2 years, the
apparent median being around 18 months. A few so afflicted never resume a more
"normal" life, but the ordeal seems to be necessary to produce really wizardly
(as opposed to merely competent) programmers. See also wannabee. A less
protracted and intense version of larval stage (typically lasting about a month)
may recur when one is learning a new OS or programming language.
[Jargon File]
Nearby terms:
Large Installation Systems Administration « Larry
Wall « LART « larval stage » lase » laser »
laser printer
|
