Ad Hoc Integration
Ad hoc integration is a temporary, point-to-point approach to connecting disparate systems or applications without a formal, reusable architecture. It involves creating custom, one-off solutions to enable data exchange or functionality between specific components, often using quick fixes like scripts, manual processes, or direct API calls. This method is typically used to address immediate business needs but lacks scalability and long-term maintainability.
Developers should use ad hoc integration when facing urgent, short-term requirements where speed is prioritized over robustness, such as in proof-of-concept projects, emergency patches, or small-scale prototypes. It is suitable for scenarios with limited scope, where formal integration platforms would be overkill, but it should be avoided for production systems due to risks like technical debt, security vulnerabilities, and integration sprawl.