Random geeky observation

[dvandom]

Most of what we call "combination locks" are actually permutation locks.

Comments

[jarodrussell.livejournal.com]

What would be a pure combination lock then? A multi-keyed padlock where you needed a combination of keys to open it?

[dvandom.livejournal.com]

Well, the thought was triggered by the locks we have on some display cabinets in the physics department. Out of 10 keys, N of them need to be depressed to open the lock. This is a true combination lock, since order doesn't matter and you can't reuse a number. So, "2, 3, 7, 0" would be a combination, since it wouldn't matter which order you pressed them down, they just all need to be down. Whereas "2370" on one of those cheap bike locks would be a permutation, since "7032" wouldn't also work.

[jarodrussell.livejournal.com]

I see.

Also, "permutation lock" sounds pretty cool, like some kind of computer security software.

[kail-panille.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I think that was my first real laugh of the day. :)

[gary-williams.livejournal.com]

I once made the same observation. But I couldn't convince anyone to change what they called it.