What is the Template Method Pattern and how is it used in different programming languages?

Can you explain the Template Method Pattern?

Sure! The Template Method Pattern is a behavioral design pattern that defines the skeleton of an algorithm in a method, deferring some steps to subclasses. It lets subclasses redefine certain steps of an algorithm without changing its structure.

How is it implemented in languages like Java and Python?

In Java, you might create an abstract class with a template method that calls abstract methods. Subclasses then implement those methods. In Python, you can use a similar approach with abstract base classes or simply define a method in a base class and override it in subclasses.

Can you give me a code example in Python?

Certainly! Here's a simple example:

from abc import ABC, abstractmethod

class DataProcessor(ABC):
    def process(self):
        self.read_data()
        self.clean_data()
        self.analyze_data()

    @abstractmethod
    def read_data(self):
        pass

    @abstractmethod
    def clean_data(self):
        pass

    @abstractmethod
    def analyze_data(self):
        pass

class CSVDataProcessor(DataProcessor):
    def read_data(self):
        print('Reading data from CSV')

    def clean_data(self):
        print('Cleaning CSV data')

    def analyze_data(self):
        print('Analyzing CSV data')

processor = CSVDataProcessor()
processor.process()

What are some advantages of using this pattern?

The Template Method Pattern promotes code reuse, enforces a consistent algorithm structure, and allows for easy extension of algorithms by subclassing.