Computer software, and sometimes also other computing-related systems like computer hardware or algorithms, is called vanilla when not customized from its original form, meaning that it is used without any customizations or updates applied to it.[1] Vanilla software can become a widespread de facto industry standard, widely used by businesses and individuals.
The term comes from the traditional standard flavor of ice cream, vanilla flavor.[2] According to Eric S. Raymond's The New Hacker's Dictionary, "vanilla" means more "ordinary" than "default".[3] -
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