Factory Pattern vs Singleton

Can you explain the difference between the Factory Pattern and the Singleton Pattern?

Sure! The Factory Pattern is used to create objects without specifying the exact class of the object that will be created. In contrast, the Singleton Pattern ensures that a class has only one instance and provides a global point of access to it.

When should I use the Factory Pattern instead of the Singleton Pattern?

Use the Factory Pattern when you need to create multiple instances of a class or when the exact type of the object isn't known until runtime. The Singleton Pattern is best when you need to control access to a shared resource.

Can you give me an example of each pattern?

Certainly! For the Factory Pattern, think of a car factory that produces different types of cars based on input. For the Singleton Pattern, consider a configuration manager that loads settings from a file and should only have one instance throughout the application.

Are there any drawbacks to using the Singleton Pattern?

Yes, the Singleton Pattern can introduce global state into your application, making it harder to test and maintain. It can also lead to issues in multi-threaded environments if not implemented carefully.