When should I use the Service Locator pattern in C#?

When should I use the Service Locator pattern in C#?

The Service Locator pattern is useful when you want to decouple your code from specific implementations of services. It allows you to retrieve services at runtime without needing to know their concrete types.

Can you give me an example of how to implement it?

Sure! You can create a ServiceLocator class that holds a dictionary of services. Then, you can register services and retrieve them as needed.

What are the downsides of using the Service Locator pattern?

One downside is that it can make your code harder to test, as it introduces global state. It can also lead to hidden dependencies.

Are there alternatives to the Service Locator pattern?

Yes, Dependency Injection is a popular alternative. It allows you to pass dependencies explicitly, making your code more transparent and easier to test.