Ad hoc data analysis is the practice of exploring data sets to answer specific questions and derive insights. It involves quickly analyzing vast amounts of information gathered from disparate sources, in order to discover relationships, trends, and patterns that can be used to inform decision-making. This type of analysis is highly iterative and often requires creative problem-solving skills. By uncovering unexpected connections and mining for insights, ad hoc analysis helps businesses to stay agile and informed, allowing them to make informed decisions quickly and efficiently.