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8 Examples of Bootstrapping

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Bootstrapping is a term for moving ahead without external help. It is based on the 19th century metaphor for a impossible task: "to pull yourself up by your bootstraps." Despite being based on an analogy for the impossible, bootstrapping is considered a useful technique in several areas. The following are common examples.

Operating Systems

A small stub that allows an operating system to load up enough functionality to download and install itself.

Compilers

A programming language compiler that is complied using itself.

Installers

A small download that acts as an installer for a large software package.

Networking

An initial session that is used to negotiate more secure sessions.

Authentication

It is common for authentication protocols to rely on an initial authentication that leads to other authentications.

Recursive Self-improvement

A type of artificial intelligence that rewrites its own code. The initial version can be seen as a bootstrap that is far less sophisticated than the eventual result. A potentially dangerous technique.

Startups

A business that doesn't require external support or capital such as a developer in a basement who produces something valuable.

Power Stations

Certain types of power station require power from the grid to start. This is known as bootstrapping. If the grid is completely down an alternative procedure known as a black start can typically be attempted.
Overview: Bootstrapping
Type
Definition (1)
Moving ahead without external help.
Definition (2)
A small stub that is used to create something larger.
Definition (3)
An initial session that is used to establish other sessions.
Definition (4)
A design based on itself.
Related Concepts
Next: Keep It Small

Design Thinking

This is the complete list of articles we have written about design thinking.
Abstract Design
Accidental Complexity
Backward Invention
Bottom-Up
Bootstrapping
Choice Architecture
Brainstorming
Complexity Hiding
Contextual Design
Design Abstraction
Design Philosophy
Composition
Edge Case
Elegance
First Principles
Future-Proofing
Life Design
Design Driven Business
More Is Different
Overchoice
Divergent Thinking
Passive Design
Dominance
Resilience
Silent Design
Speculative Design
Ephemera Design
Transition Design
Essential Complexity
Working Backwards
Feature Fatigue
Worse Is Better
Feedback Loop
Flow
Form Follows Function
Gamification
Human Factors
Intuition
Less is a Bore
Less is More
Low Technology
Management By Design
Modeless Design
Nudge Theory
Placemaking
Style
Synthesis
Test And Learn
Value Sensitive Design
Visual Thinking
More ...
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