Design pattern (computer science)

In software engineering, a design pattern is a general solution to a common problem in software design. A design pattern isn't a finished design that can be transformed directly into code; it is a description or template for how to solve a problem that can be used in many different situations. Object-oriented design patterns typically show relationships and interactions between classes or objects, without specifying the final application classes or objects that are involved. Algorithms are not thought of as design patterns, since they solve computational problems rather than design problems.

History

Patterns originated as an architectural concept by Christopher Alexander. In 1987, Kent Beck and Ward Cunningham began experimenting with the idea of applying patterns to programming and presented their results at the OOPSLA conference that year. In the following years, Beck, Cunningham and others followed up on this work.

Related Topics:
Architectural concept - Christopher Alexander - 1987 - Kent Beck - Ward Cunningham - Programming - OOPSLA

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Design patterns gained popularity in computer science after the book was published in 1994. That same year, the first Pattern Languages of Programs conference was held and the following year, the Portland Pattern Repository was set up for documentation of design patterns. The scope of the term remained a matter of dispute into the next decade.

Related Topics:
Computer science - 1994 - Pattern Languages of Programs - Portland Pattern Repository

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