Magic Constant

Definitions

1. A hardcoded numeric or literal value whose meaning is unclear from the surrounding code. In engineering slang, magic constants are small but potent signs that understanding has not been made explicit enough.

   In plain English: A hardcoded value with unclear meaning or origin.

   Example: "The rate limiter was full of magic constants, which made it impossible to tell whether the current production behavior was intentional or just inherited folklore."

Related Terms

• One Liner
• Absolute Unit
• At Scale
• Ball of Mud
• Code Fragrance
• God Function
• Sleight of Code
• Too Clever