Template Method Pattern - Defining the Skeleton of an Algorithm

In software development, it is common to come across situations where different algorithms share a similar structure but vary in certain steps or details. In such cases, the Template Method pattern proves to be a valuable solution. This pattern allows you to define the skeleton or structure of an algorithm while allowing subclasses to override specific steps as needed.

Understanding the Template Method Pattern

The Template Method pattern is a behavioral design pattern that falls under the category of "behavioral patterns." It provides a way to define an algorithm's structure in a superclass while allowing subclasses to customize certain steps of the algorithm. This pattern promotes code reusability and enhances the flexibility of the design.

The main idea behind the Template Method pattern is to encapsulate a series of steps that make up an algorithm inside a template method. This method acts as the main driver for the algorithm and calls several other methods, which can be overridden by subclasses.

The template method in the superclass defines the order in which the methods should be executed, ensuring that the algorithm's overall structure remains intact. Subclasses can then override specific methods to provide their own implementation without affecting the overall algorithm or its structure.

Structure of the Template Method Pattern

The Template Method pattern consists of the following components:

• AbstractClass: This component represents the superclass, which defines the template method and declares the primitive operations as abstract methods. These abstract methods are meant to be overridden by subclasses to provide custom implementation.

• ConcreteClass: This component represents the subclasses that inherit from the AbstractClass. Concrete classes provide specific implementations for the abstract methods defined in the superclass, thus customizing the algorithm's behavior.

Example Use Case of Template Method Pattern

Let's consider an example where we want to build a simple web application framework. The framework consists of a base class, WebApplication, which provides a template method named run. This method defines the high-level structure for handling incoming HTTP requests.

The WebApplication class contains several abstract methods, such as parseRequest, routeRequest, handleRequest, and sendResponse. Each of these methods represents a step in the overall process of handling an incoming request.

Subclasses of WebApplication, such as BlogApplication and StoreApplication, can then provide their own implementations for these abstract methods. For instance, parseRequest might be implemented differently based on the specific requirements of a blog or a store application.

By utilizing the Template Method pattern, the WebApplication class ensures that the overall structure for handling requests remains consistent across all subclasses while allowing flexibility in customizing certain steps.

Benefits and Drawbacks of the Template Method Pattern

Benefits:

• Code reusability: The Template Method pattern encourages code reusability by providing a skeleton structure that can be reused across multiple subclasses.
• Flexibility: Subclasses can customize specific steps of the algorithm while maintaining the overall structure defined by the template method.
• Ease of maintenance: Since the algorithm's structure is defined in a single place, any changes or updates can be made centrally in the superclass rather than in each subclass individually.

Drawbacks:

• Limited control: The Template Method pattern can limit the control over the algorithm's structure as it is predefined in the template method. This may not be suitable for cases where the algorithm's structure needs to vary significantly for different subclasses.
• Inheritance overhead: Extending the superclass and implementing abstract methods may introduce additional complexity, especially when dealing with a large number of subclasses.

Summary

The Template Method pattern is a valuable tool in a developer's toolkit when dealing with algorithms that share a common structure but vary in certain steps or details. It provides a way to define the skeleton or structure of an algorithm in a superclass while allowing subclasses to override specific steps as needed.

By utilizing the Template Method pattern, developers can achieve code reusability, enhance flexibility, and simplify the maintenance of algorithms. However, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks, such as limited control and increased inheritance overhead, when applying this pattern.

In conclusion, the Template Method pattern empowers software developers to define the skeleton of an algorithm while allowing subclasses to fill in the missing pieces.