This project implements key Design Patterns in Java, focusing on practical applications and best practices for structuring code effectively. By using patterns like Singleton, Factory, and Builder, the project demonstrates how to address common challenges in software design to improve modularity, maintainability, and resource efficiency.
The Singleton Pattern ensures that a class has only one instance and provides a global point of access to it. It’s used in cases where a single instance is essential, such as in managing shared resources. Different variations of Singleton are implemented:
- Eager Initialization creates the instance when the class loads, ensuring availability but possibly using resources even if the instance isn’t needed.
- Lazy Initialization defers instance creation until the instance is actually needed, conserving resources but requiring careful handling for concurrency.
- Thread-Safe Singleton employs synchronization to prevent multiple instances in concurrent environments.
- Double-Checked Locking optimizes thread safety by checking for null twice—before and within the synchronized block—offering both efficiency and safety.
The Factory Pattern is used here to create objects in a standardized way without exposing the creation logic. By defining a factory that adheres to the Singleton Pattern, the project ensures a single point of access for creating object types (e.g., different “Couch” objects like FootballCouch, BaseballCouch, and BasketballCouch). Each object follows a shared interface, promoting consistent interactions while supporting polymorphism.
The Builder Pattern enables controlled, step-by-step construction of complex objects, making it ideal for objects that require multiple optional parameters or custom configurations. This pattern is especially useful for creating immutable objects and enhances readability by separating the construction process from the object itself.
The project also integrates the Delegation Pattern, allowing objects to delegate responsibilities to helper classes. This approach simplifies complex classes by promoting loose coupling, ensuring that core classes remain focused on their primary functions while offloading specific tasks to specialized delegates.
Additionally, the Chain of Responsibility Pattern is implemented to process requests through a chain of handlers. This pattern allows multiple handlers to respond to a request, each deciding whether to process it or pass it along. It provides flexibility in request handling, such as managing employee access levels based on roles, streamlining the workflow, and reducing conditional complexity.
By integrating these patterns, the project illustrates a modular, reusable approach to solving software design issues, supporting scalability and flexibility while managing resources effectively. These design patterns contribute to cleaner, more maintainable code and provide robust solutions to common software challenges.