Why stringlib algorithm of Python was called "BMHBNFS"?

Question

This algorithm contains Boyer-Moor, Horspool, Sunday and Bloom filter.

Why use "BMHBNFS" instead of "BM-H-S-BF" ?

Answer 1

The Fast Search Algorithm (aka “BMHBNFS” ;-)

Boyer-Moore-Horspool-Bloom-Need-For-Speed.

Fast search algorithms were implemented during the Need For Speed sprint (May 21 to May 28 2006 in Reykjavik, Iceland).

The CPython sources show it as a Boyer-Moore-Horspool algo with a Bloom filter added:

• "based on a mix between boyer- moore and horspool".
• "This could be described as a simple Bloom filter".
• Need For Speed task to optimize string methods (Fredrik Lundh + Andrew Dalke).

Disclaimer: This is my conjecture. Fredrik (aka effbot) has passed away in 2021 (RIP) but I will ask Guido to confirm the acronym if I see him at PyCon again.