Alphanumeric code

From ArticleWorld

In computing, an alphanumeric code refers to a series of letters and numbers written in a form that the computer can understand and process. Typical examples are the ASCII and EBCDIC codes.

Many computer specialists talk about alphanumeric code referring to machine code written in such a way that, when assembled, remains in an entirely readable form made out of ASCII characters. This is a practice programmers often do for fun, as it requires a very deep understanding of the architecture and a lot of imagination.

Programmers also use alphanumeric code when writing programs in a moment when they do not have access to a compiler or an assembler. This is often the case in system programming for recently developed architecture, where no cross-compilers exist and an operating system that can run a compiler has not yet been completed for it. Writing alphanumeric code requires nothing but a text editor, or at least a write-to-file routine. This is also something quite rarely seen, because it requires a complete understanding of the architecture and the development takes place in the context of an unstable base operating system. Therefore, only very experienced programmers usually take on these tasks.

Malicious use

Some attackers use alphanumeric codes in order to make application accept invalid or otherwise malformed entry data. This often results in buffer overflows or other similar situations.