A one-off code is a program made for a single use, unlike most other programs that are made for multiple uses. Such a code is only going to be used once, so most programmers only make them because the task performed by the code takes longer than the programming takes. This means most of the tasks performed by one-off codes are small and not very intensive. Polished coding normally is replaced with quick hacks that get the job done but lack stability for multiple uses. It is uncommon for this program to be made for more than one user, both because it is used just once and because to do so would take more coding.
When a one-off code is made, the programmer does so because making the program is easier than performing the task manually. For example, if the user wants to organize a lot of disorganized images by creator and date made, then this can take a lot of time. If the code takes less time, then it would be in the programmer’s interest to make the code instead of starting to sort the images.
Substantial tasks require substantial coding and, while the job performed by one-off coding may be large, it is rarely intricate. For example, the code may be able to categorize thousands of images, but it can rarely perform advanced tasks such as image processing, because this takes more code. At the same time, if the programmer has the skill to make a more advanced one-off code, then this can be done.
Programs that are made for multiple uses, and especially distribution, are normally polished up and full of coding made to keep the program stable. With a one-off code, this polished coding normally is left out, because it takes a lot longer to make. Instead, it uses coding that is full of hacks — or small bits of code that are shorter and easier to make than full lines of code — and coding that is optimized for fast programming.
A one-off code is made for a single use, so it is rare for a programmer to make a code for multiple users. This implies that the program may be used more than once, and there typically needs to be much more programming to allow multiple users. It is much more common for the programmer to make a single-use code that affects multiple computers on a network, rather than one to be run by many different users.