What Is Workaround?

There's a saying that "workarounds are like lifeboats, designed to keep you afloat until you can figure out the real problem". That's precisely what they are temporary, short-term solutions to problems while you're working on your project. If you have an idea for a new software product but need to learn how to implement it, or if you have a new feature in mind but need to know how to make it work with your existing system, then a workaround is what you need. Workarounds are the bane of software development. The description above is as accurate as it needs to be more specific, making it difficult to determine whether a workaround is an effective solution. The term "workaround" is often used interchangeably with "patch," but there are some critical differences between the two terms. A patch is intended to fix a particular issue, whereas a workaround is designed to temporarily relieve a problem with no permanent solution. A workaround offers a quick answer so developers can focus on other (more important) tasks. The developers must ensure that reasonable effort is undertaken to identify the problem and determine the effectiveness of the workaround at a later stage. The pain associated with workarounds is when they are not flexible enough to meet future demands and pressures. There is a fine line between a workaround to meet a deadline and taking shortcuts on code quality. Many developers would argue that workarounds are excuses for improper business goals and fast-tracked development schedules and could be avoided without proper planning. The best thing about workarounds is that they're not just for developers! They can be used by anyone who needs to solve a problem in their daily life. Teachers who require their students to complete an assignment without access to technology or parents who want their children to get along better.