bootstrap

bootstrap
    n 1: a strap that is looped and sewn to the top of a boot for
         pulling it on
    v 1: help oneself, often through improvised means
    

bootstrap
boot
booting

   <operating system, compiler> To load and initialise the
   {operating system} on a computer.  Normally abbreviated to
   "{boot}".  From the curious expression "to pull oneself up by
   one's bootstraps", one of the legendary feats of Baron von
   Munchhausen.  The {bootstrap loader} is the program that runs
   on the computer before any (normal) program can run.  Derived
   terms include {reboot}, {cold boot}, {warm boot}, {soft boot}
   and {hard boot}.

   The term also applies to the use of a {compiler} to compile
   itself.  The usual process is to write an {interpreter} for a
   language, L, in some other existing language.  The compiler is
   then written in L and the interpreter is used to run it.  This
   produces an {executable} for compiling programs in L from the
   source of the compiler in L.  This technique is often used to
   verify the correctness of a compiler.  It was first used in
   the {LISP} community.

   See also {My Favourite Toy Language}.

   [{Jargon File}]

   (2005-04-12)