What are some use cases for the Adapter Pattern in software design?

What are some use cases for the Adapter Pattern in software design?

The Adapter Pattern is useful in scenarios where you need to integrate incompatible interfaces. For example, if you have a legacy system that needs to work with a new system, an adapter can bridge the gap.

Can you give me a specific example of where this might be applied?

Sure! Imagine you have a new payment processing system that uses a different API than your existing e-commerce platform. An adapter can convert the API calls from your e-commerce platform to the format required by the new payment system.

Are there any performance concerns with using the Adapter Pattern?

Generally, the Adapter Pattern adds a layer of abstraction, which can introduce some overhead. However, this is often negligible compared to the benefits of maintaining compatibility.

What are some alternatives to the Adapter Pattern?

Alternatives include the Facade Pattern, which simplifies interfaces, or the Bridge Pattern, which separates abstraction from implementation. Each has its own use cases depending on the design requirements.