Definify.com

Definition 2024

fencepost_problem

fencepost problem

English

Noun

fencepost problem ‎(plural fencepost problems)

  1. (computing) In computer programming, a problem dealing with how to treat the initial or boundary values of a discrete problem.

See also

  • off-by-one error

Etymology

By analogy with fence-building. If one wants to say "lay a fencepost, then a length of fence, then repeat", then a special case must be made for the final fencepost. If one wants to say "lay a length of fence, then a fencepost, then repeat", then a special case must be made for the initial fencepost.

Similar Results