18 Key Design Patterns Every Developer Should Know

Patterns are reusable solutions to common design problems, resulting in a smoother, more efficient development process. They serve as blueprints for building better software structures. These are some of the most popular patterns:

• Abstract Factory: Family Creator - Makes groups of related items.

• Builder: Lego Master - Builds objects step by step, keeping creation and appearance separate.

• Prototype: Clone Maker - Creates copies of fully prepared examples.

• Singleton: One and Only - A special class with just one instance.

• Adapter: Universal Plug - Connects things with different interfaces.

• Bridge: Function Connector - Links how an object works to what it does.

• Composite: Tree Builder - Forms tree-like structures of simple and complex parts.

• Decorator: Customizer - Adds features to objects without changing their core.

• Facade: One-Stop-Shop - Represents a whole system with a single, simplified interface.

• Flyweight: Space Saver - Shares small, reusable items efficiently.

• Proxy: Stand-In Actor - Represents another object, controlling access or actions.

• Chain of Responsibility: Request Relay - Passes a request through a chain of objects until handled.

• Command: Task Wrapper - Turns a request into an object, ready for action.

• Iterator: Collection Explorer - Accesses elements in a collection one by one.

• Mediator: Communication Hub - Simplifies interactions between different classes.

• Memento: Time Capsule - Captures and restores an object’s state.

• Observer: News Broadcaster - Notifies classes about changes in other objects.

• Visitor: Skillful Guest - Adds new operations to a class without altering it.