There was a book by this title; I read a few pages in the
checkout line long ago. I think the most memorable thing
was the title, which has stayed with me.
RatchetEffect refers to the method used by a socket wrench
for
HoldingTheGains. When you've advanced a certain distance,
take a second to move up the pegs you're standing on, and
establish a new plateau.
This is where I see a lot of the value of Patterns; they
are a means of codifying knowledge, turning something hard-won
into another step in the ladder, available to everyone.
I use the term
RatchetEffect to describe the benefits of
AutomatedTesting.
This is one of the MetaTools that has many uses, if you can imagine how to apply it. FeedbackIsControl is a similar tool.
See
BrownianMotor