What is the Composite Pattern in Python?

Can you explain the Composite Pattern in Python?

Sure! The Composite Pattern is a structural design pattern that lets you compose objects into tree structures to represent part-whole hierarchies.

How does it work in practice?

In practice, it allows you to treat individual objects and compositions of objects uniformly. For example, you can create a graphic system where shapes can be individual or groups of shapes.

Can you provide a code example?

Absolutely! Here's a simple example:

class Component:
    def operation(self):
        pass

class Leaf(Component):
    def operation(self):
        return 'Leaf'

class Composite(Component):
    def __init__(self):
        self.children = []

    def add(self, component):
        self.children.append(component)

    def operation(self):
        results = []
        for child in self.children:
            results.append(child.operation())
        return 'Composite: ' + ', '.join(results)

This code defines a Component class, Leaf for individual objects, and Composite for groups.

What are the benefits of using this pattern?

The benefits include easier management of complex tree structures, the ability to treat individual and composite objects uniformly, and improved code readability.