When should I use a service locator pattern?

What is a service locator pattern?

The service locator pattern is a design pattern used to decouple the creation of services from their usage, allowing for better management of dependencies.

When should I use the service locator pattern?

You should use the service locator pattern when you have multiple services that need to be accessed by various parts of your application, and you want to centralize the management of these services.

Are there any downsides to using a service locator?

Yes, one downside is that it can make your code harder to test, as it introduces a hidden dependency on the service locator itself.

Can you give me an example of when to use it?

Sure! If you have a logging service that needs to be accessed by different modules in your application, using a service locator can simplify the process of retrieving that service.