Code Napkin

Noun · Slang & Abbreviations

Definitions

  1. A rough initial sketch of code or architecture, analogous to a back-of-the-napkin idea. In engineering slang, code napkins are useful for thinking quickly as long as no one mistakes them for production-ready design.

    In plain English: A rough quick sketch of code or architecture.

    Example: "The first proposal was really a code napkin, enough to prove the approach but nowhere near the level of detail needed for rollout planning."

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