Design patterns are reusable solutions to common problems in software development. They can help you write more maintainable, readable, and testable code. However, they are not magic bullets that can solve every challenge or fit every context. In this article, you will learn about some common misconceptions about design patterns and how to avoid them.
Design patterns are not rules that you have to follow strictly or blindly. They are guidelines that describe how to structure your code to achieve certain goals, such as modularity, flexibility, or performance. However, they also have trade-offs, such as complexity, overhead, or coupling. You should always consider the context and the requirements of your project before applying a design pattern. Sometimes, a simpler or more specific solution might be more suitable than a generic or complex one.
Les design patterns ne sont que des solutions spécifiques pour des problèmes précis. Pour bien les utiliser, il faut les conna?tre, mais aussi bien comprendre le problème qu'ils résolvent.
A pattern is both a problem and a solution, ie not only a solution. Note: from the basics I learnt and practiced 2 decades ago.
Design patterns are not about building things. They are about talking about building things. Design patterns form a consistent language for an area of design that people that are accomplished in this area can you use to talk to each other in order to find a composable solution to a problem. The fact that you are using one particular design pattern in software does not make your software architect and in isolation it does not make your software better.
Les design patterns ne sont que des solutions spécifiques pour des problèmes précis. Pour bien les utiliser, il faut les conna?tre, mais aussi bien comprendre le problème qu'ils résolvent.
Design patterns are not easy – Understanding and applying them require expertise and practice. Design patterns are not fixed – They can evolve based on specific project requirements. Design patterns are not complete solutions – They provide templates requiring customization. Design patterns are not a silver bullet – They don't universally solve all design challenges. Design patterns can replace deep understanding of software design – They complement, not substitute, understanding. Design patterns are only for experienced developers – Proficiency enhances effective implementation. Design patterns are not rigid rules – They are flexible guidelines open to adaptation.
Design patterns are not universal solutions that can work for any language, platform, or domain. They are influenced by the features, limitations, and paradigms of the programming languages and frameworks that they are implemented in. For example, some design patterns are more relevant for object-oriented languages, such as the Factory Method or the Observer, while others are more applicable for functional languages, such as the Strategy or the Decorator. You should always adapt the design patterns to the characteristics and conventions of your chosen technology stack.
A design pattern is not good or bad in itself. A design pattern has an area where it is applicable. It has advantages and it has disadvantages. Without understanding what the advantages and disadvantages of a design pattern are, it is impossible to apply it. This is especially true since applying one design pattern can very well rule out applying another.
Design patterns are not complete solutions that can cover every aspect or scenario of your problem. They are abstract and general concepts that need to be refined and customized for your specific case. For example, a design pattern might not specify how to handle errors, logging, security, or performance issues. You should always complement the design patterns with other best practices and principles, such as SOLID, DRY, or YAGNI.
Design patterns serve as abstract and general concepts rather than complete solutions for every problem aspect. Customization is necessary to adapt these patterns to specific cases, as they may not cover details like error handling, logging, security, or performance. To achieve comprehensive solutions, it's crucial to integrate design patterns with other best practices and principles, such as SOLID, DRY, or YAGNI.
Design patterns are not about software. Design patterns are about building things. Their origin is in an eponymous book that describes that whole cities can be decomposed into the application of a number of interrelated patterns of design. This view of architecture as a purely compositional art form is disputed. If you are applying design patterns then that means you believe that a system can be completely constructed of the compositions of one pattern language.
Design patterns are not fixed solutions that cannot be changed or improved. They are evolving and dynamic concepts that can be modified, combined, or extended to suit your needs. For example, you can create variations or hybrids of existing design patterns, such as the Abstract Factory Method or the Mediator-Observer. You can also create your own design patterns, as long as they follow the criteria of being reusable, consistent, and expressive.
Often people believe that design patterns are referring exclusively to the book written by Gamma, Helm, Johnson and Vlissides. However, this book is only one design pattern language. A design pattern language covers a certain area of design in such a way that all the expressions in that area can be created as compositions of the patterns in that language. The role of the architect in such a situation is to find the requirements and to make choices so that the patterns eventually successfully cover the requirements.
Design patterns are not easy solutions that can be learned and applied without effort or experience. They require a deep understanding of the problem domain, the design goals, and the trade-offs involved. They also require a good knowledge of the programming language and the framework that you are using. Applying a design pattern incorrectly or inappropriately can lead to more problems than benefits, such as over-engineering, code bloat, or tight coupling. You should always use design patterns with care and judgement, and refactor your code when needed.
Cargo cult is terrible. If you do not actually understand a design pattern language completely including the interrelations of the various patterns it is better not to use them at all. Much like a plane made of sticks does not fly a single design pattern applied for the sake of applying one will not solve the application requirements. In fact, it may be poorly chosen because it's the only one that you know and consequently you will come to suffer from its disadvantages because it is the wrong one.