You are here: irt.org | FOLDOC | bogo-sort
<algorithm, humour> /boh"goh-sort"/ (Or "stupid-sort") The archetypical perversely awful algorithm (as opposed to bubble sort, which is merely the generic *bad* algorithm). Bogo-sort is equivalent to repeatedly throwing a deck of cards in the air, picking them up at random, and then testing whether they are in order. It serves as a sort of canonical example of awfulness. Looking at a program and seeing a dumb algorithm, one might say "Oh, I see, this program uses bogo-sort."
Also known as "monkey sort" after the Infinite Monkey Theorem.
Compare brute force, Lasherism.
An implementation (http://stdout.org/~adam/psort).
(2002-04-07)
Nearby terms: bogon filter « bogon flux « bogosity « bogo-sort » bogotify » bogue out » BOHICA
FOLDOC, Topics, A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z, ?, ALL