Copy-Paste Programming
Copy-paste programming is a software development practice where developers reuse existing code by copying and pasting it into new locations, often with minimal or no modification. It is typically considered an anti-pattern because it can lead to code duplication, maintenance challenges, and increased bug propagation. While sometimes used for quick prototyping or leveraging proven solutions, it is generally discouraged in favor of more structured approaches like modular design or code reuse through functions or libraries.
Developers might use copy-paste programming in scenarios where time constraints are tight, such as rapid prototyping or meeting urgent deadlines, as it allows for quick implementation without reinventing the wheel. However, it should be avoided in production codebases because it violates the DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself) principle, making code harder to maintain, test, and debug due to duplicated logic and potential inconsistencies. Instead, developers should learn to refactor code into reusable components or use proper abstraction techniques.