design pattern definition

<computer programming> A description of an object-oriented design technique which names, abstracts and identifies aspects of a design structure that are useful for creating an object-oriented design. The design pattern identifies classes and instances, their roles, collaborations and responsibilities. Each design pattern focuses on a particular object-oriented design problem or issue. It describes when it applies, whether it can be applied in the presence of other design constraints, and the consequences and trade-offs of its use.

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["Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software", Erich Gamma, Richard Helm, Ralph Johnson, and John Vlissides].

(01 Mar 1997)