In computer programming the improbability factor is a situation where a problem exists in a system. Frequently, the programmers are aware of the problem, but they are not allowed to fix the problem, solely because the chances of the problem ever surfacing are supposedly negligible compared to other problems that could be solved with the programmers' time and money. As a result, the problem may still occur and do heavy damage due to Murphy's law.
The improbability factor is an example of an anti-pattern.
Famous quotes containing the word factor:
“Weapons are an important factor in war, but not the decisive factor; it is people, not things, that are decisive. The contest of strength is not only a contest of military and economic power, but also a contest of human power and morale. Military and economic power is necessarily wielded by people.”
—Mao Zedong (1893–1976)