Interesting read: [Archive.is] Are Design Patterns Missing Language Features.
On various places, it has been claimed that use of DesignPatterns, especially complex ones like VisitorPattern, are actually indicators that the language being used isn’t powerful enough. Many DesignPatterns are by convention rather than encapsulable in a library or component, and as such contain repetition and thus violate OnceAndOnlyOnce. If it didn’t contain at least some repetition, or something that could be Refactored out, then it wouldn’t be a pattern.
When applying design pattern, always remember that back then the Gang of Four wrote their book, languages were less powerful than now.
So always check if a design pattern cannot be applied by using a feature of the language you are using.
Examples from that page:
A list of DesignPatterns and a language feature that (largely) replaces them:
VisitorPattern .............. GenericFunctions (MultipleDispatch)
FactoryPattern .............. MetaClasses, closures
SingletonPattern ............. MetaClasses
IteratorPattern............... AnonymousFunctions
(used with HigherOrderFunctions,
MapFunction, FilterFunction, etc.)
InterpreterPattern............ Macros (extending the language)
EvalFunction, MetaCircularInterpreter
Support for parser generation (for differing syntax)
CommandPattern ............... Closures, LexicalScope,
AnonymousFunctions, FirstClassFunctions
HandleBodyPattern............. Delegation, Macros, MetaClasses
RunAndReturnSuccessor......... TailCallOptimization
Abstract-Factory,
Flyweight,
Factory-Method,
State, Proxy,
Chain-of-Responsibility....... FirstClass types (Norvig)
Mediator, Observer............ Method combination (Norvig)
BuilderPattern................ Multi Methods (Norvig)
FacadePattern................. Modules (Norvig)
StrategyPattern............... higher order functions (Gene Michael Stover?), ControlTable
AssociationList................Dictionaries, maps, HashTables
(these go by numerous names in different languages)
Food for thought…
–jeroen
The Wiert Corner - irregular stream of stuff 