Popular Design Patterns

This is an excerpt from Code Complete by Steve McConnell.

Table 5-1 Popular Design Patterns

Abstract Factory Supports creation of sets of related objects by specifying the kind of set but not the kinds of each specific object.

Adapter Converts the interface of a class to a different interface.

Bridge Builds an interface and an implementation in such a way that either can vary without the other varying.

Composite Consists of an object that contains additional objects of its own type so that client code can interact with the top-level object and not concern itself with all the detailed objects.

Decorator Attaches responsibilities to an object dynamically, without creating specific subclasses for each possible configuration of responsibilities.

Facade Provides a consistent interface to code that wouldn’t otherwise offer a consistent interface.

Factory Method Instantiates classes derived from a specific base class without needing to keep track of the individual derived classes anywhere but the Factory Method.

Iterator A server object that provides access to each element in a set sequentially.

Observer Keeps multiple objects in synch with one another by making an object responsible for notifying the set of related objects about changes to any member of the set.

Singleton Provides global access to a class that has one and only one instance.

Strategy Defines a set of algorithms or behaviors that are dynamically interchangeable with each other.

Template Method Defines the structure of an algorithm but leaves some of the detailed implementation to subclasses.