[Simple (or Small) Matter of Programming]
1. A piece of code, not yet written, whose anticipated length is
significantly greater than its complexity. Used to refer to a program
that could obviously be written, but is not worth the trouble. Also
used ironically to imply that a difficult problem can be easily
solved because a program can be written to do it; the irony is that
it is very clear that writing such a program will be a great deal of
work. "It's easy to enhance a FORTRAN compiler to compile COBOL as
well; it's just a SMOP."
2. Often used ironically by the intended victim when a suggestion for
a program is made which seems easy to the suggester, but is obviously
(to the victim) a lot of work. Compare {minor detail}.
[glossary]
[Reference(s) to this entry by made by: {minor detail}{uninteresting}{visionary}{WOMBAT}]