Mastering Java Design Patterns - Day 7: Bridge Pattern

Hello, everyone! We’re continuing our exploration of Structural Design Patterns. Yesterday, we covered the Adapter Pattern, and today we’ll dive into the Bridge Pattern. This pattern is a powerful tool for decoupling abstraction from implementation, allowing both to evolve independently.

What is the Bridge Pattern?

The Bridge Pattern separates an object’s abstraction from its implementation, enabling them to vary independently. This pattern is particularly useful when a class has multiple dimensions of variability or when you need to avoid a proliferation of subclasses.

Why Use the Bridge Pattern?

• Decoupling: It decouples the abstraction and implementation, allowing them to be developed and modified independently.
• Flexibility: It provides a way to change or extend the abstract and concrete classes separately without affecting each other.
• Scalability: It reduces the complexity that comes with extending a class hierarchy, making the system more scalable and maintainable.

How to Implement the Bridge Pattern in Java

Here's a simple example of the Bridge Pattern:

// Abstraction

abstract class Shape {

    protected Color color;

    protected Shape(Color color) {
        this.color = color;
    }

    abstract void draw();

}        

// Implementor

interface Color {

    void fill();

}        

// Concrete Implementors

class RedColor implements Color {

    public void fill() {
        System.out.println("Filling with red color");
    }
}

class GreenColor implements Color {

    public void fill() {
        System.out.println("Filling with green color");
    }
}        

// Refined Abstraction

class Circle extends Shape {

    private int radius;

    protected Circle(Color color, int radius) {
        super(color);
        this.radius = radius;
    }

    public void draw() {
        System.out.print("Drawing Circle of radius " + radius + " and ");
        color.fill();
    }

}        

// Client code

public class BridgePatternDemo {

    public static void main(String[] args) {

        Shape redCircle = new Circle(new RedColor(), 10);

        Shape greenCircle = new Circle(new GreenColor(), 20);

        redCircle.draw();

        greenCircle.draw();

    }

}        

Discussion:

Can you share an instance where the Bridge Pattern helped you manage changes or scale your codebase? How did it simplify the process or improve your system's flexibility? Share your stories in the comments below!

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Looking forward to your insights!

Stay tuned for tomorrow's topic: Composite Pattern.

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