Side Effect
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-28
CORE DEFINITION
A side effect is an effect that is secondary to the one intended. Side effect or side effects may also refer to: Side effect (computer science), a state change caused by a function or expression. Side effect (medicine), an unintended effect of the use of a drug.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
A side effect is an effect that is secondary to the one intended. Side effect or side effects may also refer to: Side effect (computer science), a state change caused by a function or expression.
Anchor fast decisions
An action, in addition to its 'primary return' (direct benefit), often causes implicit modifications to external states—relationships, health, reputation, future options, etc.—which are side effects. Pure functions are predictable because they have no side effects; in decision-making, side effects are often delayed and hidden, yet they may exceed the primary benefit and eventually undermine the system.
MINIMUM ACTION
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Side_effect_%28disambiguation%29verified
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