Ad hoc

Ad hoc is a Latin phrase that literally means "for this". In English, it generally signifies a solution designed for a specific problem or task, non-generalizable, and not intended to be able to be adapted to other purposes (compare with a priori). Common examples are organizations, committees, and commissions created at the national or international level for a specific task. In other fields of study, ad hoc implies both a lack of intrinsic order and a temporary nature.

Overview

The term ad hoc can be used to describe many things, including solutions, systems, methods, committees, or commissions. In science and philosophy, ad hoc means the addition of extraneous hypotheses to a theory to save it from being falsified. Ad hoc hypotheses compensate for anomalies not anticipated by the theory in its unmodified form. Scientists are often skeptical of theories that rely on frequent, unsupported adjustments to sustain them. Ad hoc hypotheses are often characteristic of pseudoscientific subjects.

Ad hoc hypothesis

In science and philosophy, an ad hoc hypothesis is a hypothesis added to a theory in order to save it from being falsified. Ad hoc hypothesizing is compensating for anomalies not anticipated by the theory in its unmodified form. This is often done with a sense of hackery, or inelegance.

Ad hoc testing

Ad hoc testing is a commonly used term for software testing performed without planning and documentation, but can be applied to early scientific experimental studies. The tests are intended to be run only once, unless a defect is discovered. Ad hoc testing is the least formal test method.

Ad hoc network

An ad hoc network is a network that is composed of individual devices communicating with each other directly. The term implies spontaneous or impromptu construction because these networks often bypass the gatekeeping hardware or central access point such as a router. People can also create an ad hoc network to share files, but this has become less common with the advent of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, and near field communication.

Ad hoc query

An ad hoc query is a data search designed for a unique question. Ad hoc queries are written in SQL. The term ad hoc query is associated with business intelligence and refers to business data queries that are created on the spot to deliver a single, summary report.

See also

• Ad hoc hypothesis
• Ad hoc testing
• Ad hoc network
• Ad hoc query