What are some examples of factory patterns in Java?

What are some examples of factory patterns in Java?

Factory patterns in Java are design patterns that provide a way to create objects without specifying the exact class of the object. Examples include the Simple Factory, Factory Method, and Abstract Factory patterns.

Can you explain the Factory Method pattern with an example?

Sure! The Factory Method pattern defines an interface for creating an object but lets subclasses alter the type of objects that will be created. For example, a ShapeFactory can create different shapes like Circle or Square based on input.

What about the Abstract Factory pattern?

The Abstract Factory pattern provides an interface for creating families of related or dependent objects without specifying their concrete classes. For instance, a GUIFactory can create Button and Checkbox objects for different operating systems.

How do these patterns improve code maintainability?

These patterns promote loose coupling and high cohesion, making it easier to manage and extend code. They allow for changes in object creation without altering existing code.