A workaround is a bypass of a recognized problem or limitation in a system or policy.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> A workaround is typically a temporary fix<ref>"IT: a temporary method for dealing with a computer or software problem until a more permanent solution is found: One easy workaround is to ..."</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> 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<ref>"It requires that social workers think 'outside the box' - outside their normal frames of ...</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> in their creation.
Typically they are considered brittle<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
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.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Legal workaroundsEdit
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 least temporary 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."<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- 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.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
AcronymsEdit
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.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite book "The term PDP is an acronym for Programmable Data Processor ... the series was introduced by their manufacturer, Digital Equipment Corporation ..."</ref><ref name=DEC_Hist>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The name "PDP" intentionally avoids the use of the term "computer".<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> 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,<ref name=OLD>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref> new restrictions on maximum number of concurrent users and limitations on types of use<ref name=OLD/><ref>restricting " universities that wanted to use the system for their internal business (e.g. student registration) as distinct from teaching and research</ref> 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<ref>Since a licensed audiologist is required</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and more expensive,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref> a Personal Sound Amplification Product (PSAP) is lower in price albeit more limited in capability.
See alsoEdit
- 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)