Definition of Hacker

Babylon English
hacker
n. (Computers) one who loves computers, one who knows a lot about computers, computer freak; one who illegally breaks into computer systems

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Hacker definition was found in categories: Computer & Internet(8)  Language, Idioms & Slang(4)  Sports(1)  Science & Technology(1)  Encyclopedia(1)  

Hacker Definition from Computer & Internet Dictionaries & Glossaries

FOLDOC
hacker
<personjargon> (Originally, someone who makes furniture with an axe) 1. A person who enjoys exploring the details of programmable systems and how to stretch their capabilities, as opposed to most users, who prefer to learn only the minimum necessary.
2. One who programs enthusiastically (even obsessively) or who enjoys programming rather than just theorizing about programming.
3. A person capable of appreciating hack value.
4. A person who is good at programming quickly.
5. An expert at a particular program, or one who frequently does work using it or on it; as in "a Unix hacker". (Definitions 1 through 5 are correlated, and people who fit them congregate.)
6. An expert or enthusiast of any kind. One might be an astronomy hacker, for example.
7. One who enjoys the intellectual challenge of creatively overcoming or circumventing limitations.
8. (Deprecated) A malicious meddler who tries to discover sensitive information by poking around. Hence "password hacker", "network hacker". The correct term is cracker.
The term "hacker" also tends to connote membership in the global community defined by the net (see The Network and Internet address). It also implies that the person described is seen to subscribe to some version of the hacker ethic.
It is better to be described as a hacker by others than to describe oneself that way. Hackers consider themselves something of an elite (a meritocracy based on ability), though one to which new members are gladly welcome. Thus while it is gratifying to be called a hacker, false claimants to the title are quickly labelled as "bogus" or a "wannabee".
9. (University of Maryland, rare) A programmer who does not understand proper programming techniques and principles and doesn't have a Computer Science degree. Someone who just bangs on the keyboard until something happens. For example, "This program is nothing but spaghetti code. It must have been written by a hacker".
[Jargon File]
(1996-08-26)

Jargon File
hacker
n. [originally, someone who makes furniture with an axe] 1. A person who enjoys exploring the details of programmable systems and how to stretch their capabilities, as opposed to most users, who prefer to learn only the minimum necessary. 2. One who programs enthusiastically (even obsessively) or who enjoys programming rather than just theorizing about programming. 3. A person capable of appreciating hack value. 4. A person who is good at programming quickly. 5. An expert at a particular program, or one who frequently does work using it or on it; as in `a Unix hacker'. (Definitions 1 through 5 are correlated, and people who fit them congregate.) 6. An expert or enthusiast of any kind. One might be an astronomy hacker, for example. 7. One who enjoys the intellectual challenge of creatively overcoming or circumventing limitations. 8. [deprecated] A malicious meddler who tries to discover sensitive information by poking around. Hence `password hacker', `network hacker'. The correct term for this sense is cracker.

The term `hacker' also tends to connote membership in the global community defined by the net (see the network and Internet address). For discussion of some of the basics of this culture, see the How To Become A Hacker FAQ. It also implies that the person described is seen to subscribe to some version of the hacker ethic (see hacker ethic).

It is better to be described as a hacker by others than to describe oneself that way. Hackers consider themselves something of an elite (a meritocracy based on ability), though one to which new members are gladly welcome. There is thus a certain ego satisfaction to be had in identifying yourself as a hacker (but if you claim to be one and are not, you'll quickly be labeled bogus). See also wannabee.

This term seems to have been first adopted as a badge in the 1960s by the hacker culture surrounding TMRC and the MIT AI Lab. We have a report that it was used in a sense close to this entry's by teenage radio hams and electronics tinkerers in the mid-1950s.

A Glossary of Internet & PC Terminology
Hacker
Somebody who deliberately Logs on to other computers by somehow bypassing the Log on security system - this is sometimes done to steal valuable information or to cause irreparable damage.

WebGuest Web Glossary
Hacker
An expert programmer who uses his skills to break into computer systems or networks just for the fun of it, or to expose security risks. Unlike a cracker , a real hacker doesn't want to harm anybody or anything.

Jensen's Technology Glossary
Hacker
(See Phreaker .)

Panda Software Glossary
Hacker
Someone who accesses a computer illegally or without authorisation.

Internetworking Terms
hacker
A person who delights in having an intimate understanding of the internal workings of a system, computers and computer networks in particular. The term is often misused in a pejorative context, where "cracker" would be the correct term. See also: cracker.

INTERNET TERMS&ACRONYMSV1.0
HACKER
Originally,a hacker was a term of respect among computer designers,programmers,and engineers for those among them who created truly original and ingeneous programs,devices,or sometimes very clever practical jokes.


Hacker Definition from Language, Idioms & Slang Dictionaries & Glossaries

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
Hacker
(n.)
One who, or that which, hacks. Specifically: A cutting instrument for making notches; esp., one used for notching pine trees in collecting turpentine; a hack.
  

WordNet 2.0
hacker

Noun
1. someone who plays golf poorly
(hypernym) golfer, golf player, linksman
2. a programmer who breaks into computer systems in order to steal or change or destroy information as a form of cyber-terrorism
(synonym) cyber-terrorist, cyberpunk
(hypernym) programmer, computer programmer, coder, software engineer
3. a programmer for whom computing is its own reward; may enjoy the challenge of breaking into other computers but does no harm; "true hackers subscribe to a code of ethics and look down upon crackers"
(hypernym) programmer, computer programmer, coder, software engineer
(derivation) hack, hack on
4. one who works hard at boring tasks
(synonym) hack, drudge
(hypernym) unskilled person
(hyponym) plodder, slogger

Australian Slang
Hacker
1. computer enthusiast who enjoys programming, exploring computer systems, and how to get beyond the supposed limitations of a system; 2. one who hacks into a computer system, especially with malicious intent. This meaning, though still in popular use, is now deprecated by hackers, who prefer to use the term “cracker” for a person who breaks computer security systems; 3. (older slang) hard worker

hEnglish - advanced version
hacker

hacker
\hack"er\ (?), n. one who, or that which, hacks. specifically: a cutting instrument for making notches; esp., one used for notching pine trees in collecting turpentine; a hack.
hacker
n
1. someone who plays golf poorly
2. a programmer for whom computing is its own reward; may enjoy the challenge of breaking into other computers
3. one who works hard at boring tasks [syn: hack, drudge]




  similar words(3) 




 hacker humour 
 hacker ethic 
 true hacker 


Hacker Definition from Sports Dictionaries & Glossaries

Worldgolf
hacker
An unskilled golfer. Same as "duffer"


Hacker Definition from Science & Technology Dictionaries & Glossaries

Technical English by wpv
Hacker
Slang term for a technically sophisticated computer user who enjoys exploring computer systems and programs, sometimes to the point of obsession.


Hacker Definition from Encyclopedia Dictionaries & Glossaries

Wikipedia English - The Free Encyclopedia
Hacker
Hacker has several common meanings, the unifying characteristic of which is only that it refers to a person who is an avid computer enthusiast. It is most commonly used as a pejorative by the mass media to refer to a person who engages in illegal computer cracking, which is its original meaning, but it can also refer to people engaged in ethical hacking, to the members of the open source and free software community or to home computer hobbyists.

See more at Wikipedia.org...