Code Spiral

Noun · Slang & Abbreviations

Definitions

  1. A worsening loop where each fix, workaround, or new layer of complexity creates the need for more of the same. In engineering slang, a code spiral is the path from manageable mess to exhausting instability.

    In plain English: A downward spiral where code complexity and problems keep feeding each other.

    Example: "The service entered a code spiral once every bug fix added more flags, more retries, and more hidden branches that needed later patching."

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