bogo-sort
<algorithm, humour> /boh"goh-sort"/ (Or "stupid-sort") The archetypical
perversely awful algorithm (as opposed to bubble sort, which is merely the
generic *bad* algorithm). Bogo-sort is equivalent to repeatedly throwing a deck
of cards in the air, picking them up at random, and then testing whether they
are in order. It serves as a sort of canonical example of awfulness. Looking at
a program and seeing a dumb algorithm, one might say "Oh, I see, this program
uses bogo-sort."
Also known as "monkey sort" after the Infinite Monkey Theorem.
Compare brute force, Lasherism.
An implementation.
[Jargon File]
(2002-04-07)
Nearby terms:
bogon filter « bogon flux « bogosity « bogo-sort »
bogotify » bogue out » BOHICA
