SelfReproducingProgram

Last edit February 24, 2005

There are four common usages of this term:

self-hosting compiler (EditHint: does this have a WikiWord?): program which reproduces its BinaryCode
QuineProgram: programs which reproduce their SourceCode
ComputerVirus: program which reproduces its BinaryCode
RabbitProcess: program which reproduces its process (by forking)

(stuff about making metal parts moved to SelfAssembly)

If the compiler is self-hosting, then developers frequently use the compiler to compile itself, and repeat the process several times. The idea is that a buggy compiler will produce steadily worse compilers for the first several generations. -- EricKidd at XpForOptimizingCompilers