Parsons problem

noun

A kind of computer programming puzzle in which the respondent is asked to choose from a selection of source code fragments in order to construct a program that will solve a given problem.

Meanings

nounParsons problem (plural Parsons problems)

plural Parsons problems

  1. A kind of computer programming puzzle in which the respondent is asked to choose from a selection of source code fragments in order to construct a program that will solve a given problem.

    Synonyms: Parsons puzzle

Synonyms & antonyms

nounA kind of computer programming puzzle in which the respondent is asked to choose from a selection of source code fragments in order to construct a program that will solve a given problem.

Origin

Named after Dale Parsons.

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

Parsons problem. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Parsons%20problem

MLA

“Parsons problem.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Parsons%20problem. Accessed November 2, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Parsons problem,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Parsons%20problem.

Source: Parsons problem on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.