Can new Design pattern be invented?
The total number of design patterns can be a subject of debate, as it depends on how you categorize and define them. However, a commonly referenced catalog of design patterns is the “Gang of Four” (GoF) book, “Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software,” which introduced 23 classic design patterns. These are often considered the foundational design patterns and include patterns like the Singleton, Factory Method, Observer, and more.
Here are the 23 patterns from the GoF book, grouped into categories:
Creational Patterns:
- Singleton
- Factory Method
- Abstract Factory
- Builder
- Prototype
Structural Patterns: 6. Adapter 7. Bridge 8. Composite 9. Decorator 10. Facade 11. Flyweight 12. Proxy
Behavioral Patterns: 13. Chain of Responsibility 14. Command 15. Interpreter 16. Iterator 17. Mediator 18. Memento 19. Observer 20. State 21. Strategy 22. Template Method 23. Visitor
While these are the classic design patterns, it’s important to note that new design patterns can indeed be created. Design patterns are not set in stone; they evolve as technology and programming paradigms evolve. Developers often invent new patterns or adapt existing ones to address specific problems or challenges in their domain.
Creating a new design pattern typically involves identifying a recurring problem or challenge in software development and devising a structured and reusable solution for it. Once established and proven effective in practice, a new design pattern can be documented and shared within the development community.
In summary, the GoF catalog is a well-known reference, but it’s not exhaustive, and developers can invent new design patterns when they encounter novel problems or wish to promote best practices in software development.