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Magic number (programming)
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<p>In <a href="/facts/Computer_programming/QmSsFnu0">computer programming</a>, a magic number is any of the following: </p> <ul><li>A unique value with unexplained meaning or multiple occurrences which could (preferably) be replaced with a named constant</li> <li>A constant numerical or text value used to identify a <a href="/facts/File_format/qrXbwJaH">file format</a> or protocol (for files, see <a href="/facts/List_of_file_signatures/dbAMpmFE">List of file signatures</a>)</li> <li>A distinctive unique value that is unlikely to be mistaken for other meanings (e.g., <a href="/facts/Universally_unique_identifier/SUtkYJPe">Universally Unique Identifiers</a>)</li></ul>