Ad Hoc Research
Ad hoc research is a flexible, on-demand approach to gathering information or solving problems as they arise, without following a predefined or systematic plan. It involves conducting investigations, experiments, or analyses in response to immediate needs, often using available data or quick methods. This methodology is common in fields like software development, data science, and business intelligence to address unexpected issues or explore new opportunities.
Developers should use ad hoc research when they need to quickly troubleshoot bugs, explore new technologies, or answer specific questions without the overhead of formal research processes. It is particularly valuable in agile environments, during prototyping, or when dealing with time-sensitive decisions, as it allows for rapid iteration and adaptation based on real-time findings.