for free

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

for free
    adv 1: without payment; "I'll give you this gratis" [syn:
           {gratis}, {for free}, {free of charge}]

from Jargon File (4.4.4, 14 Aug 2003)

for free
 adj.

   [common] Said of a capability of a programming language or hardware
   that is available by its design without needing cleverness to
   implement: "In APL, we get the matrix operations for free." "And owing
   to the way revisions are stored in this system, you get revision trees
   for free." The term usually refers to a serendipitous feature of doing
   things a certain way (compare {big win}), but it may refer to an
   intentional but secondary feature.

from The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)

for free

   Said of a capability of a programming language or hardware
   equipment that is available by its design without needing
   cleverness to implement: "In APL, we get the matrix operations
   for free."  "And owing to the way revisions are stored in this
   system, you get revision trees for free."  The term usually
   refers to a serendipitous feature of doing things a certain
   way (compare {big win}), but it may refer to an intentional
   but secondary feature.

   [{Jargon File}]

   (1994-12-14)