When should I use the pub-sub pattern?

When should I use the pub-sub pattern in my application?

The pub-sub pattern is useful when you want to decouple components in your application, allowing them to communicate without direct references.

Can you give me an example of where this pattern is beneficial?

Sure! It's great for event-driven systems, like a messaging app where users can subscribe to different channels.

Are there any downsides to using this pattern?

Yes, it can introduce complexity and make debugging harder since the flow of messages isn't always clear.

How does it compare to other patterns like request-response?

Unlike request-response, which is synchronous and direct, pub-sub is asynchronous and allows for more flexibility in communication.