alderson loop

Alderson loop
 n.

   [Intel] A special version of an {infinite loop} where there is an exit
   condition available, but inaccessible in the current implementation of
   the code. Typically this is created while debugging user interface
   code. An example would be when there is a menu stating, "Select 1-3 or
   9 to quit" and 9 is not allowed by the function that takes the
   selection from the user.

   This term received its name from a programmer who had coded a modal
   message box in MSAccess with no Ok or Cancel buttons, thereby
   disabling the entire program whenever the box came up. The message box
   had the proper code for dismissal and even was set up so that when the
   non-existent Ok button was pressed the proper code would be called.