Automagically

What Does Automagically Mean?

Automagically is a slang term used to describe processes that are too complex to be explained easily. Automagically is frequently used to describe computers and other technology that function in a way that is diffult for non-experts to grasp. The term automagically is usually employed when the speaker feels a full explanation is not worth the effort it would take to be understood.

Advertisements

Techopedia Explains Automagically

Although the term predates it, Arthur C. Clarke’s third law stating, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic,” nicely sums up the concept of automagically. Technology, and computing technology in particular, has reached a point where it is difficult for the layperson to grasp how the underlying processes produce outward results. Therefore, it has become easier to think of things happening automagically, rather than spending the time and effort to figure it out.

Advertisements

Related Terms

Latest Buzzwords and Jargon Terms

Related Reading

Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…