What are the differences between the Strategy and State design patterns?

What are the differences between the Strategy and State design patterns?

The Strategy pattern is used to define a family of algorithms, encapsulate each one, and make them interchangeable. The State pattern, on the other hand, allows an object to alter its behavior when its internal state changes.

Can you give me an example of each pattern?

Sure! For the Strategy pattern, consider a sorting algorithm where you can switch between quicksort and mergesort. For the State pattern, think of a music player that behaves differently when it's playing, paused, or stopped.

When would I use one over the other?

Use the Strategy pattern when you need to switch algorithms at runtime, and the State pattern when an object's behavior should change based on its state.

Are there any similarities between the two?

Yes, both patterns promote flexibility and reusability by encapsulating behavior. They also use composition over inheritance.