How do the decorator and strategy patterns differ in software design?

How do the decorator and strategy patterns differ in software design?

The decorator pattern allows behavior to be added to individual objects, while the strategy pattern defines a family of algorithms and makes them interchangeable.

Can you give me an example of each pattern?

Sure! In the decorator pattern, you might have a base class for a coffee, and decorators like Milk or Sugar that add functionality. In the strategy pattern, you could have a sorting algorithm interface with different implementations like QuickSort and MergeSort.

When should I use one pattern over the other?

Use the decorator pattern when you want to add responsibilities to objects dynamically. Use the strategy pattern when you need to switch between different algorithms or behaviors.

Are there any drawbacks to using these patterns?

Yes, the decorator pattern can lead to a complex structure of decorators, making it hard to understand. The strategy pattern can lead to a proliferation of strategy classes.