pragma

noun

1. A compiler directive; data embedded in source code by programmers to indicate some intention to a compiler.

   “This pragma stops the compiler from generating those warnings we don't care about.”

   “[…]users may also want to disable functionality such as function inlining via either a compiler command line option or compiler pragma, depending on the build tools system and functionality supported.”

2. (Internet)In early versions of HTTP, a general header that specifies some implementation-specific directive, to any recipient, and may specify that the HTTP response should not be cached.

   “It is not possible to specify a pragma for a specific recipient; however, any pragma directive not relevant to a recipient should be ignored by that recipient.”

3. (uncommon)A practical thing or action, as opposed to theory or belief (dogma).

   “At any given minute, we must choose between habitual action and thoughtful action, between Dogma and Pragma.”

   “"If it is practical, a pragma, it is a thing and not a theory."”

   “Other speakers railed against “neo-liberal dogma”; but a dogma is a belief that you hold regardless of evidence. No one comes to economic liberalism through dogma. In theory, a planned economy might work better than one left to arrange itself; in practice, it never does. Classical liberalism, far from being a dogma, is a pragma.”