Workaround
Encyclopedia
A workaround is a bypass of a recognized problem in a system. A workaround is typically a temporary fix that implies that a genuine solution to the problem is needed. Frequently workarounds are as creative as true solutions, involving outside the box
thinking in their creation.
Typically they are considered brittle in that they will not respond well to further pressure from a system beyond the original design. In implementing a workaround it is important to flag the change so as to later implement a proper solution.
Placing pressure on a workaround may result in later failures in the system. For example, in computer programming
workarounds are often used to address a problem or anti-pattern
in a library, such as an incorrect return value. When the library is changed, the workaround may break the overall program functionality, effectively becoming an anti-pattern, since it may expect the older, wrong behaviour from the library.
Workarounds can also be a useful source of ideas for improvement of products or services.
Outside The Box
Outside The Box is Vicki Genfan's first available release and features both instrumental and vocal songs. It gained wide recognition and was highly acclaimed by critics...
thinking in their creation.
Typically they are considered brittle in that they will not respond well to further pressure from a system beyond the original design. In implementing a workaround it is important to flag the change so as to later implement a proper solution.
Placing pressure on a workaround may result in later failures in the system. For example, in computer programming
Computer programming
Computer programming is the process of designing, writing, testing, debugging, and maintaining the source code of computer programs. This source code is written in one or more programming languages. The purpose of programming is to create a program that performs specific operations or exhibits a...
workarounds are often used to address a problem or anti-pattern
Anti-pattern
In software engineering, an anti-pattern is a pattern that may be commonly used but is ineffective and/or counterproductive in practice.The term was coined in 1995 by Andrew Koenig,...
in a library, such as an incorrect return value. When the library is changed, the workaround may break the overall program functionality, effectively becoming an anti-pattern, since it may expect the older, wrong behaviour from the library.
Workarounds can also be a useful source of ideas for improvement of products or services.
See also
- Bug
- Coping skill
- Hack
- KludgeKludgeA kludge is a workaround, a quick-and-dirty solution, a clumsy or inelegant, yet effective, solution to a problem, typically using parts that are cobbled together...
- Jury rigJury rigJury rigging refers to makeshift repairs or temporary contrivances, made with only the tools and materials that happen to be on hand. Originally a nautical term, on sailing ships a jury rig is a replacement mast and yards improvised in case of damage or loss of the original mast.-Etymology:The...
- Design aroundDesign aroundIn the field of patents, the phrase "to design around" means to invent an alternative to a patented invention that does not infringe the patent’s claims. The phrase can also refer to the invention itself....