Template Method Pattern
The Template Method Pattern is a behavioral desing pattern in object-oriented programming. It defines the skeleton of an algorithm in a method, deferring some steps to subclasses. It allows subclasses to redefine certain steps of an algorithm wihout altering the algorithm’s structure. This pattern promotes reusability by providing a common structure for a family of related algorithms.
Explanation with Real-World Example
Let’s consider a real-world example involving the prepartaion of a hot beverage such as coffee or tea:
- Template Method (Beverage Recipe): The template method represents the common structure of making a hot beverage. It outlines the algorithm, including steps like boiling water, brewing the beverage, and serving it. Some steps are defined in the template method, while others are left as abstract methods to be implemented by concrete subclasses.
- Concrete Sublclasses (Coffee, Tea): Concrete subclasses represent specific beverages (e.g., Coffee, Tea). They inherit the common structure from the template method but provide their own implementation for steps like brewing. For example, Coffee and Tea will have different methods for brewing coffee and tea, respectively.
- Hook Methods: The template method may include hook methods, which are methods with default implementation that can be overridden by concrete subclasses. For example, a hook method can allow the addition of sugar or milk, which is optional and may vary between beverages.
In this example, the Template Method Pattern provides a common structure for making hot beverages, but it allows individual beverages to customize specific steps while preserving the overall algorithm.
The Template Method Pattern is used in scenarios where you want to define the outline of an algorithm and allows subclasses to provide specific implementations for certain steps.
Design Patterns in Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
Software Development is like putting together a puzzle. Object-oriented programming (OOP) is a popular way to build complex software, but it can be tricky when you face the same design problems repeatedly. That’s where design patterns come in.
Design patterns are like well-known recipes for common problems in software development. They’re not step-by-step instructions, but more like guidelines to help you solve these problems in a flexible and efficient way. These patterns gather the wisdom of the software development community, making it easier for developers to work together and create software that’s easy to maintain, adapt, and reuse.
Important Topics for the Design patterns in object-oriented programming
- Singleton Pattern
- Factory Method Pattern
- Abstract Factory Method Pattern
- Builder Pattern
- Adapter Pattern
- Proxy Pattern
- Decorator Pattern
- Composite Pattern
- Observer Pattern
- Strategy Pattern
- Command Pattern
- State Pattern
- Template Method Pattern
- Visitor Pattern
- Memento Pattern
- Conclusion