What are the differences between the Decorator and Strategy patterns?

What are the differences between the Decorator and Strategy patterns?

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?

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 would I use one pattern over the other?

Use the Decorator pattern when you want to add responsibilities to objects without modifying their structure. Use the Strategy pattern when you need to switch between different algorithms or behaviors at runtime.

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 classes if many strategies are needed.