How does the Mediator pattern compare to other design patterns?

How does the Mediator pattern compare to other design patterns?

The Mediator pattern centralizes communication between objects, reducing dependencies. Unlike Observer, which promotes a one-to-many relationship, Mediator facilitates many-to-many interactions.

Can you give an example of where the Mediator pattern is more beneficial than the Observer pattern?

Sure! In a chat application, the Mediator can manage message exchanges between users, allowing for easier management of user interactions compared to the Observer pattern, which would require each user to directly manage notifications from others.

What about the Strategy pattern? How does it differ from the Mediator?

The Strategy pattern focuses on selecting an algorithm at runtime, while the Mediator pattern is about managing communication between objects. They serve different purposes: one for behavior encapsulation and the other for communication.

Are there any downsides to using the Mediator pattern?

Yes, one downside is that it can become a bottleneck if not managed properly, as all communication goes through the Mediator, potentially leading to performance issues.