Decorator Pattern vs Strategy Pattern: What's the Difference?

Can you explain the difference between the decorator pattern and the strategy pattern?

Sure! The decorator pattern is used to add new functionality to an object dynamically, while the strategy pattern defines a family of algorithms and makes them interchangeable.

Can you give me an example of each pattern?

Of course! For the decorator pattern, think of a coffee shop where you can add milk or sugar to your coffee. For the strategy pattern, consider a navigation app that can use different routing algorithms like fastest or shortest.

When should I use one pattern over the other?

Use the decorator pattern when you want to add responsibilities to individual objects without affecting others. 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, while the strategy pattern can make it harder to manage if you have too many strategies.