gensym

Slang Dictionary

gensym

/jen'sim/ [from MacLISP for `generated symbol']
1. v. To invent a new name for something temporary, in such a way that the name is almost certainly not in conflict with one already in use.
2. n. The resulting name. The canonical form of a gensym is `Gnnnn' where nnnn represents a number; any LISP hacker would recognize G0093 (for example) as a gensym.
3. A freshly generated data structure with a gensymmed name. Gensymmed names are useful for storing or uniquely identifying crufties (see cruft).
FOLDOC
Computing Dictionary

gensym definition

library
/jen'sim/ (From the MacLISP for "generated symbol") To invent a new name for something temporary, in such a way that the name is almost certainly not in conflict with one already in use.
The canonical form of a gensym is "Gnnnn" where nnnn represents a number; any LISP hacker would recognise G0093 (for example) as a gensym. Gensymmed names are useful for storing or uniquely identifying crufties.
[Jargon File]
(1999-10-31)

The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing, © Denis Howe 2010 http://foldoc.org
Cite This Source
00:10
Gensym is always a great word to know.
So is ninnyhammer. Does it mean:
a fool or simpleton; ninny.
a stew of meat, vegetables, potatoes, etc.
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