What are cheat codes (cheatcodes)
A cheat code (also called debug code or backdoor) is a code that can be entered into a computer program to alter the run-time behavior or configuration of that program.
The code may consist of an alphanumeric string entered via a keyboard, a series of pre-defined movements of a game controller, or any of various other special input sequences initiated by the user. Cheat codes are commonly associated with video games and Live CD installation media, and are sometimes undocumented or otherwise discoverable only through easter eggs.
Live CD installation
During Live CD initialization, a user typically may resort to using one or more cheat codes to change the booting behavior. These vary from distribution to distribution but can most often be accessed upon first boot screen by one of the function keys.
In contrast to the usage associated with video games, Live CD cheat codes are not typically associated with the concept of gaining unfair advantage or thwarting standard rules. Instead such codes are usually intended to simplify installation for different scenarios including unusual hardware configurations or special-use scenarios.
Video Games
Video game cheat codes ordinarily change the game’s behavior, alter characters’ looks and abilities, skip levels, or access other hidden features. A prime example of this is the Konami Code (↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A Start), which when entered usually gives the player a large number of lives or powerups.
People refer to these as “cheat codes” because some may make it easier to complete a mission or game, therefore cheating. Some “cheat codes” may not make it easier, just make it more fun, such an example would be “spawning” an object like a car or weapon. Or some can change the gameplay like making your character larger/smaller. Some just change the looks of the game, such as altering the weather.
There are other kinds of cheating available for altering your gaming experience, but these can’t be found on a cheat code site on the web, these have to be done yourself. This is called hacking. Hacking takes place when it is possible to reach and edit the file database of the game.
Cheating can be done (depending on the game system and/or game) by either enter cheats in a cheat code section in “options” of a game, or simply by pressing certain buttons in a certain order while in gameplay.
While normal cheat codes are built into the game by the programmers, unofficial cheat codes can be created by manipulating the contents of the memory address for a running game. On video game consoles, this is done using a cheat cartridge. Users of some early home computers called these codes pokes, named after the command used to input them. In the case of bugs: If a serious game-stopping bug is encountered, a cheat code may be able to bypass it without the need to start the whole game over again from the beginning.
The game Micro Machines for the NES had a bug where the game would freeze if the player reversed over the start/finish line at the start of the race. This was due to a single zero being a one in the code. Discovered after thousands of games were made, Codemasters, rather than throw the cartridges away, which would have been very costly, used technology from their Game Genie cheat cartridge to rewrite the code in every game.
Often cheats spell a word, possibly comical or relating to the cheat (for example, “Start”, “Left”, “A”, “B” would spell “Slab”).Or C A Left Left A C A B (Call a cab)
Source: Wikipedia
Related Story: Cheat Code Websites