Glue Code

Definitions

1. Code that connects two systems or libraries that weren't designed to work together, handling format conversions, protocol translations, and API mapping. Often unglamorous but essential — most enterprise software is glue code. Can be a sign of poor abstraction or an unavoidable reality of integrating diverse systems.

   In plain English: The boring but necessary code that connects two systems together, translating between their different formats.

   Example: "80% of this service is glue code converting between the legacy SOAP API and the new REST API. Not exciting, but it pays the bills."

Related Terms

• Golden Path
• Webhook vs. Polling
• Stack
• God Class
• God Object
• Screaming Architecture
• Communication Bus
• Cross-Service