Kludge (pronounced klooj) is derogatory slang for any ad-hoc, patchwork attempt to solve a software or hardware problem. Makeshift construction of hardware or software is usually hastily performed in order to satisfy an immediate problem. A quick-and-dirty solution that operates properly--at least temporarily--but lacks the rational efficiency that is normally sought is a kludge. A kludge is developed because another, more appropriate, solution is not feasible (often because there not enough time or money to implement it). A similar but more positive slang term is hack, meaning a quick, clever solution to a problem, as opposed to a kludge, which is quick but clumsy.

Hardware and software products are sometimes modified by end-users who add new and basically incompatible features to a product. Hardware kludges are often characterized by the use of various types of wire, tape, unusual electrical connections, generic housing, and whatever else is available. A...