What are some use cases for the Singleton pattern in software development?

What are some use cases for the Singleton pattern in software development?

The Singleton pattern is used when you need exactly one instance of a class, such as in logging, configuration settings, or database connections.

Can you give me an example of using the Singleton pattern for a logging system?

Sure! In a logging system, you might want to ensure that all parts of your application use the same logger instance to maintain a consistent log format and avoid conflicts.

Are there any drawbacks to using the Singleton pattern?

Yes, some drawbacks include making unit testing difficult and introducing global state, which can lead to issues in concurrent environments.

When should I avoid using the Singleton pattern?

You should avoid it when you need multiple instances, when it complicates testing, or when it introduces unnecessary global state.