metasyntactic variable

A metasyntactic variable is a word that is used by programmers in place of an object, number or idea under discussion.

The most common system of metasyntactic variables is: foo, bar, baz, qux, quux, quuux...

if (foo > bar)
baz += qux

else
baz += quux

by shimaspawn December 07, 2004

controlled variable

The control variable in scientific experimentation is the element which is constant and unchanged throughout the investigation.

A controlled variable is a part of the experiment that doesn't change

by kitkat kallister November 28, 2017

negro variable

One lone African American in a group of whiteys.

That guy is the negro variable of our math class.

by Johnny December 04, 2003

the independent variable

An alias for the Comedic rapper, Lil Dicky known for songs like Too High, $ave Dat Money and Lemme Freak

"Yo, Dylan, whos your favorite rapper?"
"Im all about the independent variable"
"what? who you mean?"
"Ya know, Lil Dicky. That dude's hilarious"

by McBurger66 August 02, 2016

Variable Soup

In Computer programming, when the mind is clogged with different variable names. You struggle to remember what variables match different things. This is known as Variable Soup.

Its often a good idea to take five and do something different (e.g. check the news) and then go back to it with a fresh pair of eyes.

Ive got variable soup, I cant remember what I was doing.
Looking at this is giving me variable soup.

by LiveHybrid March 15, 2010

Whore Variable

A variable that you use and redefine throughout the code without printing it out.

arr = input('Enter your array: ');
r,c = size(arr);
for j = 1:c

sum = 0;

for i = 1:r

sum = sum + arr(i,j);

end

arr2(j) = sum;
end
disp(arr2);

Oh man! That "sum" variable is a WHORE VARIABLE!

by Moumen_El_Gamed October 24, 2018

Bastard Variable

A variable that usually created on accident without knowing that it was created until it comes back and becomes completely out of your control. Like a bastard child.

Nick didn't realize that punching that llama would become a bastard variable and come back on him in a major way.

by .XV!::: March 30, 2009