Definition of 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.
  

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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]

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  similar words(3) 

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 hacker humour 
 hacker ethic 
 true 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

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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

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

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.

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.

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.

(See Phreaker .)

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.

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.

Someone who accesses a computer illegally or without authorisation.

See more at Wikipedia.org...

An unskilled golfer. Same as "duffer"