not ready for prime time

Usable, but only just so; not very robust; for internal use

only. Said of a program or device. Often connotes that the

thing will be made more solid Real Soon Now. This term

comes from the ensemble name of the original cast of "Saturday

Night Live", the "Not Ready for Prime Time Players". It has

extra flavour for hackers because of the special (though now

semi-obsolescent) meaning of prime time. Compare beta.

[Jargon File]