gensym
<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)
Nearby terms:
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gensym » Gensym Corporation » Gensym Standard
Interface » Gentleman's Portable Coroutine System
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