What are the best practices for using the decorator pattern?

What are the best practices for using the decorator pattern in software design?

The decorator pattern is great for adding functionality to objects dynamically. Best practices include keeping decorators focused on a single responsibility, ensuring they are reusable, and using them in a way that maintains the original object's interface.

Can you give an example of how to implement a decorator?

Sure! For instance, if you have a Coffee class, you can create a MilkDecorator that adds milk to the coffee. This way, you can combine multiple decorators like SugarDecorator and MilkDecorator without modifying the original Coffee class.

What are some common pitfalls to avoid when using decorators?

Common pitfalls include creating too many nested decorators, which can make the code hard to read, and not properly managing the order of decorators, which can lead to unexpected behavior.

How do decorators compare to other design patterns?

Decorators are often compared to the strategy pattern. While both allow for dynamic behavior, decorators focus on adding responsibilities to objects, whereas strategies encapsulate algorithms.