Lava flow (programming)

In computer programming jargon, lava flow is a problem in which computer code, usually written under less than optimal conditions, is put into production and then built on when still in a developmental state. This causes the original code to solidfy (as many additional components now depend on it), turning the snapshot developmental state into a fixed final state that can no longer be modified: The "lava" solidified in whatever state it was in at the time.

Lava flow is considered an anti-pattern.