Stack overflow

/stæk ˈoʊvərfloʊ/ noun

Definition

An error condition that occurs when a program's call stack exceeds its allocated memory limit, typically caused by infinite recursion or extremely deep function calls.

Etymology

Stack comes from the physical metaphor of stacking plates (1940s computing), while overflow indicates exceeding capacity. The term gained mainstream recognition through the programming Q&A website Stack Overflow, founded in 2008.

Kelly Says

Picture stacking dinner plates higher and higher until the tower topples over - that's exactly what happens when functions keep calling each other without ever finishing. The infamous website Stack Overflow got its name from this common programming mistake!

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