One-line fix

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In computer programming jargon, the term one-line fix is used—often sarcastically—to describe a change to a computer program that is thought to be trivial or insignificant. Such a change often results in a bigger problem, like a system crash. The resulting problem is usually 'cured' by another one-line fix.

Among computer programmers, one-line fixes are so notorious for the problems they cause, that the term was introduced into the Jargon File.

The phrase is sometimes also used without sarcasm for short fixes which actually do fix the problem. It's not uncommon for the problem and solution to be all on one line, the problem is just finding the problem and solution.

[edit] References

• Jargon File 4.3.2 entry on one-line fix

This article was originally based on material from the Free On-line Dictionary of Computing, which is licensed under the GFDL.