Ad Hoc Dependency Management
Ad Hoc Dependency Management is an informal, unstructured approach to handling dependencies in software projects, where developers manually track, install, and update libraries, tools, or packages without using dedicated dependency management tools or formal processes. It often involves copying files, using manual scripts, or relying on memory to manage external code, leading to inconsistencies and maintenance challenges. This method is typically seen in small, quick projects or legacy systems where formal tooling is absent.
Developers might use ad hoc dependency management in rapid prototyping, one-off scripts, or when working in environments with strict constraints that prevent tool installation, such as air-gapped systems. It can be a temporary solution for small-scale projects where overhead from formal tools isn't justified, but it's generally discouraged for production software due to risks like version conflicts and security vulnerabilities. Learning about it helps understand dependency pitfalls and the importance of structured approaches in modern development.