 | This article is written like a manual or guide. (December 2012) |
In software engineering and computer science, clobbering a file, processor register or a region of computer memory is the process of overwriting its contents completely, whether intentionally or unintentionally, or to indicate that such an action will likely occur.[1] The Jargon File defines clobbering as
To overwrite, usually unintentionally: "I walked off the end of the array and clobbered the stack." Compare mung, scribble, trash, and smash the stack.[2]
- ^ "In Computing, what is Clobbering?". wiseGEEK. 20 June 2016. Archived from the original (html) on 13 June 2019. Retrieved 13 June 2019.
The term "clobbering" is used in several different ways in computing, with the meaning usually clear from the context. In one sense, it refers to overwriting existing files or memory entries. It can also be used to discuss overwhelming computers such as servers with requests, causing a downgrade in performance. This second usage of the word reflects the common usage of "clobber" as a word to describe taking a beating.
- ^ "Clobber" in the Jargon File