numbers

:numbers: n. [scientific computation] Output of a computation that may not be significant results but at least indicate that the program is running. May be used to placate management, grant sponsors, etc. `Making numbers' means running a program because output -- any output, not necessarily meaningful output -- is needed as a demonstration of progress. See pretty pictures , math-out , social science number

Jargon File Version 4.3.1, 29 JUN 2001 =

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