What is the Abstract Factory Pattern in Java?

Can you explain the Abstract Factory Pattern in Java?

Sure! The Abstract Factory Pattern is a creational design pattern that provides an interface for creating families of related or dependent objects without specifying their concrete classes.

How does it differ from the Factory Method Pattern?

The Factory Method Pattern defines an interface for creating an object but allows subclasses to alter the type of objects that will be created. In contrast, the Abstract Factory Pattern creates families of related objects.

Can you give me a code example?

Certainly! Here's a simple example:

// Abstract Factory
interface GUIFactory {
    Button createButton();
    Checkbox createCheckbox();
}

// Concrete Factory
class WinFactory implements GUIFactory {
    public Button createButton() { return new WinButton(); }
    public Checkbox createCheckbox() { return new WinCheckbox(); }
}

// Client code
GUIFactory factory = new WinFactory();
Button button = factory.createButton();
Checkbox checkbox = factory.createCheckbox();

What are the benefits of using this pattern?

The benefits include improved code organization, easier scalability, and the ability to switch between different families of products without changing the client code.