Definition of hack (2024)

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As a noun, a hack is source code in a program. For example, the phrase "it must be done through a hack" means someone has to write programming code to solve the problem because there is no pre-written software that does the job.

As a verb, hack refers to writing a small program or adding code to an existing program to solve a problem in a hurry. A hack used to imply a low-level programming language, even deploying a fix in machine language (see patch). However, the term evolved, and today it can refer to code in any computer language. See machine language.

You're Not Supposed To!

A hack may refer to changes made to electronic devices that were never designed to be modified, such as a video game console, music player, set-top box or cellphone.

Such hacks may require using a screwdriver and soldering iron. For example, to make the first iPhones work in a network other than AT&T, a voltage had to be applied to a line on its internal circuit board. This extremely delicate and unauthorized operation required scraping the surface of a single wire trace without breaking the line and soldering a wire to it. Subsequent methods to unlock iPhones used a software hack that was less extreme.

Good and Not Good

Depending on context, a hack can be good or very bad. For example, a hack is typically an intentional fix or modification to a system, but "hacked" has a negative meaning. A person or system being hacked means information has been stolen or changed or malware has been installed. See attack, hacker and hackathon.

Geek HumorFrom "The Best of The Joy of Tech" cartoon book by Nitrozac and Snaggy (O'Reilly Media, Inc., 2003). (Image courtesy of GeekCulture.)Hacks GaloreThe term is often used to refer to any tip or technique for improving performance or configuring hardware or software; witness these titles from O'Reilly Media, Inc.Hack Everything!"The Big Book of Hacks" offers imaginative hacks from turning an old netbook into a tablet to boosting Wi-Fi with a vegetable steamer. Also included are how to make fridge magnets from a hard drive and a dipole antenna from a closet hanger. See life hack.