Alderson loop

( n.)

   [Intel]  A  special  version  of an {infinite loop} where there is an
   exit   condition   available,   but   inaccessible   in  the  current
   implementation of the code. Typically this is created while debugging
   user  interface  code.  An  example  would  be  when  there is a menu
   stating,  "Select  1-3  or  9  to  quit"  and 9 is not allowed by the
   function that takes the selection from the user.

   This  term  received its name from a programmer who had coded a modal
   message  box  in  MSAccess  with  no  Ok  or  Cancel buttons, thereby
   disabling  the  entire  program whenever the box came up. The message
   box  had  the  proper  code for dismissal and even was set up so that
   when  the non-existent Ok button was pressed the proper code would be
   called.

[glossary]