Number-crunching

1 definition found

From Jargon File (4.3.1, 29 Jun 2001) [jargon]:

  number-crunching n. [common] Computations of a numerical nature, esp.
     those that make extensive use of floating-point numbers. The only thing
     {Fortrash} is good for. This term is in widespread informal use outside
     hackerdom and even in mainstream slang, but has additional hackish
     connotations: namely, that the computations are mindless and involve
     massive use of {brute force}. This is not always {evil}, esp. if it


     involves ray tracing or fractals or some other use that makes {pretty
     pictures}, esp. if such pictures can be used as {wallpaper}. See also
     {crunch}.