zap

jargon 1. To modify, usually to correct; especially used

when the action is performed with a debugger or binary

patching tool. Also implies surgical precision. "Zap the

debug level to 6 and run it again."

In the IBM mainframe world, binary patches are applied to

programs or to the operating system with a program called

"superzap", whose file name is "IMASPZAP" (possibly

contrived from I M A SuPerZAP).

See also Zero and Add Packed.

2. To fry a chip with static electricity. "Uh oh - I think

that lightning strike may have zapped the disk controller."

(1998-07-08)