Jargon File facts for kids

The Jargon File is like a special dictionary for computer programmers. It collects and explains all the unique slang words and phrases they use. Imagine a secret codebook for people who build computer programs – that's kind of what the Jargon File is!

What is the Jargon File?

The Jargon File is a glossary and usage dictionary. This means it lists words and tells you what they mean and how to use them. It's specifically for the slang used by computer programmers. Programmers often create their own special words to talk about computers and coding.

Where Did It Start?

The original Jargon File began as a collection of terms. These terms came from technical groups in the early days of computers. Some of these groups included:

• The MIT AI Lab (at a famous university called MIT)
• The Stanford AI Lab (at Stanford University)
• Other groups connected to the early ARPANET (a very early version of the internet)
• Communities working with AI (making computers smart)
• People using the LISP programming language
• Users of PDP-10 computers (a type of computer from that time)

Other places that contributed included Bolt, Beranek and Newman, Carnegie Mellon University, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

How It Became a Book

The Jargon File was later published as a real book. In 1983, it came out as The Hacker's Dictionary. This first book was put together by Guy Steele.

Later, in 1991, a new version was released. It was called The New Hacker's Dictionary. This updated book was edited by Eric S. Raymond. A third edition of this book was published in 1996.

The Idea Behind It

The whole idea for the Jargon File actually started even earlier. It came from the Tech Model Railroad Club (TMRC) in the 1950s. This club had early computer enthusiasts who worked with computers like the PDP-1 and TX-0.

It was in this group that the word "hacker" first appeared. A hacker, in this original sense, was someone who loved to explore and push the limits of computers. The club also helped create some of the ideas and special words that became part of the Jargon File.

See also

In Spanish: Jargon File para niños