hidden programming

noun

UK /ˈhɪd.ən ˈprəʊ.ɡræm.ɪŋ/

US /ˈhɪd.ən ˈproʊ.ɡræm.ɪŋ/

Secret instructions that make a computer or machine do something without people knowing.

The toy robot had hidden programming that made it beep at midnight.

SYNONYMS

secret coding covert software concealed instructions undisclosed code

RELATED WORDS

malware backdoor algorithm firmware encryption

OTHER MEANINGS

2. Code secretly built into a device that only the maker knows about.

The engineers found hidden programming inside the smart doorbell.

3. A trick or plan that is not obvious to everyone.

There was hidden programming in the game that gave extra points to the first player.

4. Learning to code without others knowing you are studying it.

She did her hidden programming practice late at night after everyone was asleep.