Factory Method Pattern
Summary
- The Factory Method pattern is a way of creating objects, but letting subclasses decide exactly which class to instantiate.
- The Factory Method pattern is a lightweight pattern that achieves independence from application-specific classes. The client programs to the interface and lets the pattern sort out the rest.
Class diagram: (see Factory Method Pattern code review)
Usage
Use the Factory Method pattern when:
- Flexibility is important.
- Objects can be extended in subclasses.
- There is a specific reason why one subclass would be chosen over another (this logic forms part of the Factory Method).
- A client delegates responsibilities to subclasses in parallel hierarchies.