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Enter a keyword...   ...or choose a category. choose one... Communications Computer Industry Companies Computer Science Data Graphics Hardware Internet and Online Services Mobile Computing Multimedia Networks Operating Systems Programming Software Standards Types of Computers World Wide Web   creeping featurism Last modified: Monday, June 23, 2008  (kree'ping fee'chr-izm) Creeping featurism is a slang term used to describe a tendency for systems to become more complex over time as more features are added than were in the original design or plan. This term is widely used in software and hardware development, but is also used in non-technical industries. In software or hardware development, these added features often come at the expense of major design goals such as stability, simplicity or bug reduction. Creeping featurism is also called creeping featuritis. See also related term feature creep.   Developer.com Contains resources, tools, articles, discussion areas, and events of interest to Internet/intranet developers. Directories include: ActiveX, Java, JavaBeans, JavaScript, Microsoft and .NET, open source and VRML. Taking Computers to Task When it comes to software, new is not necessarily improved. Behavioral studies have shown that "creeping featurism" is often counterproductive. Software developers know this. Webopedia's "Did You Know...?" Section Use this Webopedia knowledge section for an in-depth overview of specific technologies and occurrences in the areas of Computer Science, The Internet, and Computer Hardware and Software. Related Categories Applications Hardware Slang Software Related Terms bloatware bug build dribbleware feature feature creep program programmer system Shopping creep Products Compare Products,Prices and Stores Shop by Category: Garden 77 Store Offers Toys 83 Store Offers Clothing 519 Store Offers Sport and Outdoor 810 Store Offers Movies 21 Model Matches