The term "Hacking"

[Apostrophe Spacemonkey]

Read this article on tv3

http://www.3news.co.nz/Programmers-battle-it-out-at-3rd-annual-Hacktivate-in-Auckland/tabid/412/articleID/294227/Default.aspx

I don't like how the term hacking is used in this context. To me, hacking means one of two things;

1. Illegal hacking (i.e breaking to government/company systems stealing data etc)

2. A work around in software development (i.e I did this hack to get this certain feature to work). Works for now, but not a good solution and will probably break later on.


This 'Hacktivate' is a coding/programming competition. I guess they're trying to make it sound cooler, but it doesn't sit well with me.

[Xenolightning]

I agree, but I'd like to add another definition of hacking.

There is such a term coined as "White Hat Hacking", which is taking your point 1, and applying it in scenarios that improve security. It's not illegal, and a lot of companies do this to improve security; I certainly define that as hacking, be it not as glamorous as hacking the PSN and leaking info.

[Craigor]

To me, It fits in the same basket as the following 'cringe' uses of the word:
 - You left your facebook logged in on my computer, so I "hacked it" and posted something derogatory on your wall
 - Using a WINZ Kiosk, I clicked on 'my network places' and all these files were just openly available to me, I 'hacked' the network
 - etc...

[Zarkov]

It also pertains to casual riding of farm horses.

Although I'm not sure that adds anything to the thread.

[Pyromanik]

HACKING AROUND THE PADDOCK IN AN OLD JALOPY.

[Pyromanik]

When two sticks clash together in an unsportsmanly way during a game of Hockey.

[Pyromanik]

Failing at a tree with an axe with no structured technique.

[Pyromanik]

Crackers vs Hacking.
Hacking is often done in the process of cracking.

Agree with last statement of OP though.

ps, didn't read article.

[Xenolightning]

Pyro, go home, you're drunk.

[Pyromanik]

Feed me work I can hack on.
Then pay me for my hacks.


Implementing shit properly;
Ain't nobody got time fo' that.

[Obble]

Not quite as bad as the way the media use "trolling" etc.

Xeno, go home, you're not drunk.

[Bell]

that entire article was cringe worthy as fuck, regardless of the hacking term.
Makes it sound like programming is some sort of teenager thing or a fad that is either cool or not rather than a huge industry.

[toofast]

that entire article was cringe worthy as fuck, regardless of the hacking term.
Makes it sound like programming is some sort of teenager thing or a fad that is either cool or not rather than a huge industry.

The wave looks like this – a crowd of computer programmers all in one place. There are trendy haircuts, trendy hats and, in charge, trendy men.

[mycoolcar]

Xeno, go home, you're not drunk.

Oh yes he is.

[CSfaith]

Oh yes he is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nk_--FYShDI&feature=youtu.be

omg it went on for the full length

[Xenolightning]

omg it went on for the full length

I'm not one to disappoint.

[Xsannz]

Failing at a tree with an axe with no structured technique.

i think thats flailing.. as in to swing wildly... you sir are failing....

[Pyromanik]

i think thats flailing.. as in to swing wildly... you sir are failing....

Not my fault my L is too awesome for GetSome in slow doublepost mode.


PS, dafuq did I just listen to?

[Bounty Hunter]

I'd extend legitimate uses to writing code using trial and error methods without really understanding what you're doing, I'd say something like "I just hacked away at it until it worked", "you can tell this code has just been hacked together"

Also hacking in terms of devices, wikipedia states on the hack-a-day wiki entry "A hack here refers to modifications of a product or software as well as creation of something entirely new for convenience, novelty, function or creativity."

But what craig said hits the nail on the head.

I'd even go so far as to say people dumb enough to click on the bullshit links on facebook that spam everybody aren't hacked, they're just stupid.

[Arnifix]

THIS IS WHAT A HACKER IS, ALL OTHER DEFINITIONS ARE WRONG.

Good work SM, you managed to out-derp an article about men wearing fedoras.

[The Demon Lord]

Oh yes he is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nk_--FYShDI&feature=youtu.be

That was Magical

On a side note on the definition of Hacking - Hacking can also mean playing around with Code to do something cool and new - which I believe this competition would fall under

[Apostrophe Spacemonkey]

I always wear a balaclava while I'm at work.

It makes me look more professional.

[The Demon Lord]

I always wear a balaclava while I'm at work.

It makes me look more professional.

I am wearing my Affliction Hoody at work - cause its cold and my hoodie is made of warms and awesomeness

[Apostrophe Spacemonkey]

Being homeless is not work.

[private_hell]

you are never homeless in a hoodie