What are the differences between the Mediator and Observer design patterns?

What are the differences between the Mediator and Observer design patterns?

The Mediator pattern centralizes communication between objects, while the Observer pattern allows objects to subscribe to events.

Can you give me an example of each pattern?

Sure! In the Mediator pattern, a chat room manages communication between users. In the Observer pattern, a weather station notifies subscribers about changes in weather.

When should I use one pattern over the other?

Use the Mediator when you want to reduce dependencies between components. Use the Observer when you need to notify multiple objects about changes.

Are there any drawbacks to using these patterns?

Yes, the Mediator can become a bottleneck if overused, while the Observer can lead to memory leaks if observers are not properly managed.