software bloat

Software bloat, or bloatware, is a term used in both a neutral and disparaging sense, to describe the tendency of newer computer programs to be larger, or to use larger amounts of system resources (mass storage space, processing power or memory) than older versions of the same programs, without obvious benefit to end users.
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<jargon, abuse> The result of adding new features to a program or system to the point where the benefit of the new features is outweighed by the extra resources consumed (RAM, disk space or performance) and complexity of use. Software bloat is an instance of Parkinson's Law: resource requirements expand to consume the resources available. Causes of software bloat include second-system effect and creeping featuritis. Commonly cited examples include Unix's "ls(1)" command, the X Window System, BSD, Missed'em-five, OS/2 and any Microsoft product.
[Jargon File]
(1995-10-16)