An Introduction to Design Patterns

Introduction

This article introduces design patterns, reusable solutions to common software development problems. Design patterns help us structure our code and make it more maintainable.

Why Design Patterns?

• Maintainability: Software is constantly evolving. Design patterns help us write code that is easier to modify and update.
• Communication: Design patterns provide a common language for developers to discuss software design.

Types of Design Patterns

There are three main categories of design patterns:

1. Creational Patterns: These patterns hide the details of object creation.
2. Structural Patterns: These patterns focus on how classes and objects are structured and composed.
3. Behavioral Patterns: These patterns define how objects interact with each other.

Examples

Singleton Pattern (Creational): This pattern ensures that only one instance of a class exists.
Bridge Pattern (Structural): This pattern separates an object's implementation from its interface.
Observer Pattern (Behavioral): This pattern allows objects to subscribe to events and be notified when they occur.

When to Use Design Patterns

Solve a specific problem: Use a design pattern when it directly addresses a problem you're facing.
Anticipate change: Use a design pattern for parts of your system that are likely to change frequently.

Conclusion
Design patterns are a valuable tool for any developer. They provide solutions to common problems, improve code maintainability, and promote better communication among developers.