numbers

(Scientific computation) Output from a computation that may

not be significant but at least indicates that the program is

running. Numbers may be used to placate management, grant

sponsors, etc. "Making numbers" means running a program

because output - any output, not necessarily meaningful output

- is needed as a demonstration of progress.

See pretty pictures, math-out, social science number.

[Jargon File]

(1995-01-13)