views:

106

answers:

6

And I don't mean skynet. I'm thinking of say a compiler application that is used to compile itself, a VCS that tracks its own source code etc.

+4  A: 
  • Bootstrap: indicates that a new language compiler is mature enough to compile itself. Usually used as a milestone.
  • Dogfooding: used to indicate that the group responsible for development/delivery of a product use their own product. Usually used as an endorsement.
  • Self-hosted: software tool that is developed using the tool itself. Used to indicate status or state, i.e. having all the features to support running itself. Indicates robustness.
  • Self-healing: Able to affect repair without the need to rely on outside resources. Indication of stability
  • Auto-correcting: Able to make changes autonomously usually through various feedback mechanisms. Related to self-healing but not limited solely to repair of damage but also control of behavior.
Kelly French
+1 for Bootstrapping, though I think self-hosted is more generic.
Brian
Bootstrapping refers more specifically to the process of producing an initial self-hosted version (again, especially for compilers). Future versions are still self-hosted, but not really bootstrapped.
Tyler McHenry
+1  A: 

It could be considered dogfooding - just a special case where you are not only using your tool, but using the tool to maintain itself.

Justin Ethier
A: 

"Reflective" maybe?

Dave
+9  A: 

The common term, especially for compilers, is "self-hosted".

Tyler McHenry
A: 

Self-Aware, Self-Programming...

mjboggess
+1  A: 

In the context of whole Programming Systems: Self-Sustaining System (S3) or Self-Supporting System.

But for the context you describe (VCS, compiler), the term self-hosting is generally used.

Jörg W Mittag