A collection of code that works but is clearly the sole result of necessity, genius, or insanity. Steampunked code typically combines odd technologies and libraries in a way that makes an engineer do a double-take. Also characterized as a collection of code components that engender a response of "WTF?" by new codebase participants due to it not being apparent why the fuck someone would do such a thing. Steampunk codebases, when not rationalizable as truly necessary, drive good software engineers nuts in a visceral, usually quite loud, manner and can result in rebellion and heavy attrition if not addressed responsibly.
"Take a look at this steampunk codebase! Can you believe this shipped? I can't figure out whether the programmer who wrote this nuts or genius."
by Jan Drake October 20, 2013