zap

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ZAP

(language)

A language for expressing program transformations.

["A System for Assisting Program Transformation", M.S. Feather, ACM TOPLAS 4(1):1-20, Jan 1982].

ZAP

(2)

Zero and Add Packed.

zap

(jargon)

1. To modify, usually to correct; especially used when the action is performed with a debugger or binary patching tool. Also implies surgical precision. "Zap the debug level to 6 and run it again."

In the IBM mainframe world, binary patches are applied to programs or to the operating system with a program called "superzap", whose file name is "IMASPZAP" (possibly contrived from I M A SuPerZAP).

See also Zero and Add Packed.

2. To fry a chip with static electricity. "Uh oh - I think that lightning strike may have zapped the disk controller."

zap

A command that typically deletes the data within a file but leaves the file structure intact so that new data can be entered. See wipe.

References in periodicals archive ?

ZAP has signed an exclusive distribution contract with its manufacturing partner in Mainland China to produce the new off-road electric vehicles.

"We are excited to announce this new partnership in China for off-road electrics to enhance ZAP's Consumers Products Division," said ZAP CEO Steve Schneider.

ZAP SIGNS ATV DISTRIBUTION PACT WITH SMART-AUTOMOBILE

These measures were expressed in terms of the number of zaps per hour of television watched under four situations: (1) during all time periods of television viewing, (2) during prime-time television viewing, (3) during commercial breaks scheduled over all time periods, and (4) during commercial breaks scheduled in prime-time.