Bootstrapped

Bootstrapped is a term used in various contexts, most commonly in business and computing. In business, bootstrapping refers to the process of starting a company with minimal external funding, relying instead on personal savings, revenue generated from sales, and bootstrapping methods. Entrepreneurs who bootstrap their ventures typically reinvest profits back into the business to fund growth and operations, avoiding the need for venture capital or bank loans. This approach allows for greater control and ownership but often results in slower growth compared to externally funded companies. It emphasizes resourcefulness, efficiency, and a lean operational model.

In computing, "bootstrapping" describes the process by which a system starts up. This typically involves a sequence of small programs that load progressively larger programs, eventually leading to the full operation of the system. For example, when a computer is turned on, a small piece of firmware, like the BIOS or UEFI, is the first to run. This firmware then loads a bootloader from storage, which in turn loads the operating system kernel. Each stage in this process is a "bootstrap loader" for the next stage. The term originates from the idea of pulling oneself up by one's bootstraps, a metaphor for self-improvement or self-reliance.