Magic Number (programming)
In computer programming, the term magic number has multiple meanings. It could refer to one or more of the following:
- A constant numerical or text value used to identify a file format or protocol; for files, see List of file signatures
- Distinctive unique values that are unlikely to be mistaken for other meanings (e.g., Globally Unique Identifiers)
- Unique values with unexplained meaning or multiple occurrences which could (preferably) be replaced with named constants
Read more about Magic Number (programming): Unnamed Numerical Constants, Magic GUIDs, Magic Debug Values
Famous quotes containing the words magic and/or number:
“The magic of photography is metaphysical. What you see in the photograph isn’t what you saw at the time. The real skill of photography is organised visual lying.”
—Terence Donovan (b. 1936)
“In proportion as our inward life fails, we go more constantly and desperately to the post office. You may depend on it, that the poor fellow who walks away with the greatest number of letters, proud of his extensive correspondence, has not heard from himself this long while.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)