What are some real-world uses of the Singleton pattern?

What are some real-world uses of the Singleton pattern?

The Singleton pattern is often used in scenarios where a single instance of a class is needed to coordinate actions across the system. For example, it can be used in logging, configuration settings, and database connections.

Can you give me an example of how it's used in logging?

Sure! In logging, the Singleton pattern ensures that all parts of an application use the same logging instance, preventing multiple log files from being created and ensuring consistent logging behavior.

What about in database connections?

In database connections, the Singleton pattern can manage a single connection pool, allowing multiple parts of an application to share the same connection without creating new ones, which improves performance.

Are there any downsides to using the Singleton pattern?

Yes, some downsides include making unit testing difficult due to global state and potential issues with concurrency if not implemented carefully.