What are some examples of the iterator pattern in programming?

What are some examples of the iterator pattern in programming?

The iterator pattern is a design pattern that allows sequential access to elements in a collection without exposing the underlying structure. Examples include Java's Iterator interface and Python's iter() function.

Can you explain how the iterator pattern works in Java?

In Java, the iterator pattern is implemented using the Iterator interface, which provides methods like next(), hasNext(), and remove(). This allows you to traverse a collection like ArrayList or HashSet without needing to know its internal structure.

What are the benefits of using the iterator pattern?

The iterator pattern promotes loose coupling, allows for easy traversal of complex data structures, and can simplify code by separating the iteration logic from the collection logic.

Are there any drawbacks to using the iterator pattern?

One drawback is that it can introduce additional complexity, especially if the collection is modified during iteration. It may also lead to performance overhead in some cases.