from
Jargon File (4.4.4, 14 Aug 2003)
hidden flag
n.
[scientific computation] An extra option added to a routine without
changing the calling sequence. For example, instead of adding an
explicit input variable to instruct a routine to give extra diagnostic
output, the programmer might just add a test for some otherwise
meaningless feature of the existing inputs, such as a negative mass.
The use of hidden flags can make a program very hard to debug and
understand, but is all too common wherever programs are hacked on in a
hurry.
from
The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)
hidden flag
(scientific computation) An extra option added to a routine
without changing the calling sequence. For example, instead
of adding an explicit input variable to instruct a routine to
give extra diagnostic output, the programmer might just add a
test for some otherwise meaningless feature of the existing
inputs, such as a negative mass. The use of hidden flags can
make a program very hard to debug and understand, but is all
too common wherever programs are hacked in a hurry.
[{Jargon File}]
(1994-11-24)