antipattern
Commonly repeated mistake
An antipattern is a common response to a recurring problem that appears effective but typically creates more problems than it solves.
The term originated in software engineering—describing coding practices that seem reasonable but lead to poor outcomes—and has spread to business, design, and organizational contexts: Micromanagement is a classic antipattern.
Where a pattern represents a proven solution, an antipattern is a proven trap.
Makeshift bypass of difficulty
- shortcutQuicker alternative path
- quick fixHasty temporary solution
- band-aidAdhesive strip for cuts
- hackShortcut or breach
code smell · cargo cult · reinventing the wheel · not invented here · feature creep · scope creep · bikeshedding · misuse
Poorly structured program
- hardcodingFixed values in source
- kludgeAwkward but functional solution
- technical debtAccumulated coding shortcuts
- bloatwareUnwanted preinstalled software
legacy system · monolith · magic number · copy-paste · golden hammer · lava flow · boat anchor · dead code
Indicator of danger
- code smellIndicator of flawed design
- cautionCareful attention to risk
- indicatorSign revealing status
- signalMessage-conveying cue
symptom · telltale · harbinger · omen · forewarning · alert · sign
Excessive unnecessary complexity
- spaghetti codePoorly structured program
- convolutedExcessively complex or twisted
- tangledTwisted confusedly together
- byzantineDauntingly intricate and devious
labyrinthine · bloat · convolution · obfuscation · indirection · nested · entangled
workaround
Makeshift bypass of difficulty
hack · code smell · cargo cult · reinventing the wheel · not invented here · feature creep · scope creep · bikeshedding · misuse · abuse
spaghetti code
Poorly structured program
- hardcodingFixed values in source
- kludgeAwkward but functional solution
- technical debtAccumulated coding shortcuts
bloatware · legacy system · monolith · magic number · copy-paste · golden hammer · lava flow · boat anchor · dead code · overengineering
red flag
Indicator of danger
- code smellIndicator of flawed design
- cautionCareful attention to risk
- indicatorSign revealing status
signal · symptom · telltale · harbinger · omen · forewarning · alert · sign
overengineering
Excessive unnecessary complexity
- spaghetti codePoorly structured program
- convolutedExcessively complex or twisted
- tangledTwisted confusedly together
byzantine · labyrinthine · bloat · convolution · obfuscation · indirection · nested · entangled
antipatterndesign pattern
Proven solution template
best practice · pattern · clean code · gold standard · idiom
antipatternbest practice
Accepted superior method
industry standard · established practice · exemplar · gold standard · convention