brittle algorithm
[ˈbrɪtəl ˈælɡərɪðəm]
nounpl: brittle algorithms
algoritmo frágil
1. A software algorithm that fails or produces incorrect results when given input that differs slightly from expected conditions, often due to over-specification or lack of error handling
The search function was a brittle algorithm that crashed whenever users entered special characters.
A função de busca era um algoritmo frágil que travava sempre que os usuários digitavam caracteres especiais.
2. Code that works correctly for specific test cases but breaks easily with edge cases or unexpected variations in input
Developers discovered the payment processing was a brittle algorithm when it failed with international phone number formats.
Os desenvolvedores descobriram que o processamento de pagamento era um algoritmo frágil quando falhou com formatos internacionais de números de telefone.
This term is primarily used in software development and computer science communities in both English and Portuguese-speaking countries. In Brazilian tech culture, discussions about 'algoritmos frágeis' are common in code reviews and testing phases. The term reflects the growing emphasis on robust, maintainable code in modern software engineering practices.
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