blit
/blit/ 1. To copy a large array of bits from one part of a computer's memory to
another part, particularly when the memory is being used to determine what is
shown on a display screen. "The storage allocator picks through the table and
copies the good parts up into high memory, and then blits it all back down
again." See bitblt, BLT, dd, cat, blast, snarf. More generally, to perform some
operation (such as toggling) on a large array of bits while moving them.
2. Sometimes all-capitalised as "BLIT": an early experimental bit-mapped
terminal designed by Rob Pike at Bell Labs, later commercialised as the AT&T
5620. (The folk etymology from "Bell Labs Intelligent Terminal" is incorrect.
Its creators liked to claim that "Blit" stood for the Bacon, Lettuce, and
Interactive Tomato).
[Jargon File]
(1994-11-16)
Nearby terms:
BLISS-16C « BLISS-32 « BLISS-36 « blit »
blitter » blivet » bloat
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