A workaround is a bypass[1] of a recognized problem or limitation in a system or policy.[2] A workaround is typically a temporary fix[3][4] that implies that a genuine solution to the problem is needed. But workarounds are frequently as creative as true solutions, involving outside the box thinking[5][6] in their creation.
Typically they are considered brittle[7] 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.[8]
Placing pressure on a workaround may result in later system failures. 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.[9]
Legal workarounds
When the legal system places an obstacle in the form of a restriction or requirement, the law may provide a possible workaround. Laws intended to tap into what may seem to be deep pockets may lead to what are at leasttemporary solutions such as:
- Since "most French workplace laws affect businesses with 50 or more employees... many French companies opt to employ only 49 people in avoidance of crippling legislations."[10]
- An injunction against Microsoft regarding XML features and an easy technical workaround, a patent attorney suggested having two versions of MS Word, one with and one without the feature.[11]
Acronyms
Some well-known acronyms were created to work around bureaucratic or contracting restrictions:
- PDP - The term was used to describe a computer by another name, due to contracting complications for purchasing or leasing computers. The term PDP (Programmed Data Processor or Programmable Data Processor) was a workaround.[12][13][14][15] The name "PDP" intentionally avoids the use of the term "computer".[16][17] PDPs were aimed at a market that could not afford larger computers.
- GNU - GNU's Not UNIX. As AT&T's prices for academic licensing and use of UNIX increased,[18] new restrictions on maximum number of concurrent users and limitations on types of use[18][19] created a motivation for an alternative: a work-alike workaround. Among the better known ones are:
- PSAP. By contrast with hearing aids, the sale of which is more regulated[20][21] and more expensive,[22] a Personal Sound Amplification Product (PSAP) is lower in price albeit more limited in capability.
See also
- Bug
- Coping skill
- Design around, to design or invent an alternative to a patented invention that does not infringe the patent's claims
- Hack
- Jury rig
- Kludge
- Planned obsolescence
- Preventive maintenance
- Program temporary fix (PTF)