special-case

from Jargon File (4.4.4, 14 Aug 2003)

special-case
 vt.

   To write unique code to handle input to or situations arising in a
   program that are somehow distinguished from normal processing. This
   would be used for processing of mode switches or interrupt characters
   in an interactive interface (as opposed, say, to text entry or normal
   commands), or for processing of {hidden flag}s in the input of a batch
   program or {filter}.

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

special-case

   To write unique code to handle input to or situations arising
   in a program that are somehow distinguished from normal
   processing.  This would be used for processing of mode
   switches or interrupt characters in an interactive interface
   (as opposed, say, to text entry or normal commands), or for
   processing of {hidden flags} in the input of a batch program
   or {filter}.

   [{Jargon File}]

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