Assumed Support
Assumed Support is a software development methodology that emphasizes designing systems with the assumption that external dependencies, such as third-party services or APIs, will be available and reliable, while implementing fallback mechanisms for when they fail. It focuses on proactive error handling and graceful degradation to maintain system functionality during outages. This approach helps teams build resilient applications by planning for potential failures in external components.
Developers should learn and use Assumed Support when building applications that rely heavily on external services, such as microservices architectures, cloud-based integrations, or APIs from vendors, to ensure high availability and user experience. It is particularly valuable in distributed systems where network issues or service downtime can cascade, as it encourages robust error handling and contingency plans. This methodology reduces the risk of complete system failures by allowing applications to continue operating with reduced functionality during disruptions.