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A workaround is a bypass of a recognized problem or limitation in a system or policy.[1] A workaround is typically a temporary fix[2][3] 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[4][5] in their creation.
Typically they are considered brittle[6] 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.[7]
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.[8]
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."[9]
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.[10]
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.[11][12][13][14] The name "PDP" intentionally avoids the use of the term "computer".[15][16] 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,[17] new restrictions on maximum number of concurrent users and limitations on types of use[17][18] 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[19][20] and more expensive,[21] a Personal Sound Amplification Product (PSAP) is lower in price albeit more limited in capability.
^R Belcher (2013). Computers in Analytical Chemistry. Elsevier. p. 153. ISBN978-1483285627. "The term PDP is an acronym for Programmable Data Processor ... the series was introduced by their manufacturer, Digital Equipment Corporation ..."
^Henderson, edited by Rebecca M.; Newell, Richard G. (2011). Accelerating energy innovation : insights from multiple sectors. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. p. 180. ISBN978-0226326832. {{cite book}}: |first1= has generic name (help)
^Huang, Han-Way (2014). The atmel AVR microcontroller : MEGA and XMEGA in assembly and C. Australia ; United Kingdom: Delmar Cengage Learning. p. 4. ISBN978-1133607298.
^restricting " universities that wanted to use the system for their internal business (e.g. student registration) as distinct from teaching and research
