SOFTWARE BLOAT
\sˈɒftwe͡ə blˈə͡ʊt], \sˈɒftweə blˈəʊt], \s_ˈɒ_f_t_w_eə b_l_ˈəʊ_t]\
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The result of adding new features to a programor system to the point where the benefit of the new featuresis outweighed by the extra resources consumed (RAM, diskspace or performance) and complexity of use. Software bloatis an instance of Parkinson's Law: resource requirementsexpand to consume the resources available. Causes of softwarebloat include second-system effect and creepingfeaturitis. Commonly cited examples include Unix's "ls(1)"command, the X Window System, BSD, Missed'em-five,OS/2 and any Microsoft product.
By Denis Howe
