workaround

A workaround is a solution that achieves a goal or restores functionality when a standard or ideal approach is not feasible due to constraints such as cost, time, safety, or technical limitations. Workarounds are typically pragmatic and temporary, intended to keep a system operating while a proper fix is pursued.

The term originated in engineering and manufacturing, describing a way to bypass a malfunctioning component or to route around a problem in a process. In software and information technology, a workaround often refers to a nonstandard configuration, a manual sequence, or a temporary modification that avoids a defect without changing the underlying code.

Characteristics: they are provisional, often documented but not formal, and may be manual, procedural, or technical. They usually involve trade-offs, such as reduced performance, incomplete functionality, or increased risk, and they may not comply with official standards or best practices.

Examples: in software development, a workaround might disable a problematic feature behind a feature flag; in hardware, it could involve using a different cable or port; in business processes, staff may follow an ad hoc procedure to bypass an unavailable tool. Workarounds are common during incident response and maintenance windows.

Limitations and management: workarounds can mask underlying issues, delay permanent fixes, and accumulate technical debt. Effective handling includes documenting the workaround, communicating its scope and duration, and pursuing a proper solution as soon as feasible. When possible, design changes or patches should replace the workaround.