In general, in [[computing]], an '''alphanumeric code''' is a series of letters and numbers (hence the name) which are written in a form understandable and processible by a computer. One such alphanumeric code is [[ASCII]].
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More specifically, in computer underground terminology alphanumeric code is [[machine code]] that is written so that it assembles into entirely readable ASCII characters such as "a"-"z", "A"-"Z", "1"-"9", "#", "!", "@", and so on.
Writing alphanumeric code requires a good understanding of machine code encoding scheme for the specific architecture that the code is to executed on.
This code is used by [[Cracker (computing)|cracker]]s with the intent of fooling applications, such as Web forms, into accepting code used for [[exploit (computer science)|exploit]]. Typically, such exploits involve [[buffer overflow]]s.
Sometimes, alphanumeric code could also be used when the programmer needs to write a program but does not have access to any [[compiler]] or [[assembly language|assembler]]. All that is needed to write an alphanumeric program is a [[text editor]].
== External links ==
* [http://www.vividmachines.com/shellcode/shellcode.html#ps Shellcoding for Linux and Windows - Printable Shellcode] - Explanation and tutorial
