MAGIC NUMBERS Meaning and
Definition
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Magic numbers are a concept often used in computer programming and software development to refer to specific numeric values that are embedded within code without any clear explanation or reasoning. These numbers are considered "magical" because they lack transparency or documentation regarding their purpose or significance. This term is commonly associated with legacy code or programming practices that may not adhere to best practices.
Magic numbers can manifest in various forms, such as literal values, fixed constants, or even hard-coded numeric identifiers. They typically appear without context or meaningful names, making it difficult for other programmers to understand their purpose or modify them. This lack of information can hamper code maintainability, readability, and flexibility.
The use of magic numbers is generally discouraged in professional software development because it violates principles such as code clarity and reusability. Instead, it is recommended to define named constants or variables that describe the intention and purpose behind the numeric value. By using proper naming conventions and documenting the meaning of these values, code becomes more concise, understandable, and maintainable. Additionally, replacing magic numbers with named constants enhances code modifiability and reduces the chances of introducing bugs or errors during code modification or maintenance.
Overall, magic numbers refer to numeric values embedded within code without proper explanation or context, and they are considered an undesirable practice within software development due to their negative impact on code quality and maintainability.
Common Misspellings for MAGIC NUMBERS
- nagic numbers
- kagic numbers
- jagic numbers
- mzgic numbers
- msgic numbers
- mwgic numbers
- mqgic numbers
- mafic numbers
- mavic numbers
- mabic numbers
- mahic numbers
- mayic numbers
- matic numbers
- maguc numbers
- magjc numbers
- magkc numbers
- magoc numbers
- mag9c numbers
- mag8c numbers
- magix numbers
Etymology of MAGIC NUMBERS
The term "magic numbers" originated in the field of computer programming. The word "magic" implies that the numbers have a special or mysterious quality. In this context, "magic numbers" refer to specific numerical values or constants used in code, which have a unique functional purpose.
The exact etymology of the phrase is not clear, but it is believed to have emerged in the early days of programming where certain numerical values had specific meanings or effects in the code. These values were often hardcoded into the programs without much explanation, making them seem like "magic" because their significance was not immediately apparent from the code itself.
Over time, the term "magic numbers" expanded beyond programming and is now used more broadly, often referring to any arbitrary numerical values that are directly used in a particular context without clear explanation.
