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Define the word hidden flag

"hidden flag" jargon "Jargon File (4.3.1, 29 Jun 2001)"

hidden flag n. [scientific computation] An extra option added to a
   routine without changing the calling sequence. For example, instead of
   adding an explicit input variable to instruct a routine to give extra
   diagnostic output, the programmer might just add a test for some
   otherwise meaningless feature of the existing inputs, such as a negative
   mass. The use of hidden flags can make a program very hard to debug and
   understand, but is all too common wherever programs are hacked on in a
   hurry.

"hidden flag" foldoc "The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (27 SEP 03)"

hidden flag
     
        (scientific computation) An extra option added to a routine
        without changing the calling sequence.  For example, instead
        of adding an explicit input variable to instruct a routine to
        give extra diagnostic output, the programmer might just add a
        test for some otherwise meaningless feature of the existing
        inputs, such as a negative mass.  The use of hidden flags can
        make a program very hard to debug and understand, but is all
        too common wherever programs are hacked in a hurry.
     
        [Jargon File]
     
        (1994-11-24)