bootstrap

As I'm not satisfied with the definitions of bootstrapping I'm working on my own definition. The bootstrap is mostly refereed to as lifting something up by its own means (Baron von Munchausen story). Still when we look at the examples the metaphor with bootstraps goes deeper, it not only includes lifting, but also entwining.

The bootstrapping compiler. It is a compiler form language A => B written in A, so it can take itself as input and create a compiler in B without ever having to write 1 line of code in B. Notice how the compiler entwines itself, as such it looks like pulling on a bootstrap.

Bootstrapping critical mass. This example is mostly used refereeing to the wikipedia. One a critical mass exist the systems becomes self organizing. The entwined feedback between the users has become active enough to keep each other hooked (like the purpose of the bootstrap).

Bootstrapping concepts. This is an act of knowledge sharing and debating about the meaning of the concept. It is the entwining of different bodies of knowledge.