cargo cult programming
cargo cult programming
(programming, humour)The term "cargo cult" is a reference to aboriginal religionsthat grew up in the South Pacific after World War II. Thepractices of these cults centre on building elaborate mockupsof aeroplanes and military style landing strips in the hope ofbringing the return of the god-like aeroplanes that broughtsuch marvelous cargo during the war. Hackish usage probablyderives from Richard Feynman's characterisation of certainpractices as "cargo cult science" in his book "Surely You'reJoking, Mr. Feynman" (W. W. Norton & Co, New York 1985, ISBN0-393-01921-7).