Introduction
The Prototype pattern creates new objects by cloning existing ones, reducing the cost of instantiation.
Real-Life Example
A chef making a batch of cookies: Instead of starting from scratch, they use an existing dough template to quickly produce multiple identical cookies.
Pros
Improves performance when object creation is expensive.
Simplifies object instantiation, especially for complex structures.
Preserves object state when cloning.
Cons
Cloning can be complex if objects have deep relationships.
May lead to unintended data sharing issues if not handled properly.
When to Use It
When object creation is resource-intensive (e.g., game development, simulations).
When dynamically creating similar objects without modifying original classes.
Avoid when direct instantiation is sufficient.
Conclusion
Prototype is great for optimizing object creation but requires careful implementation to avoid unintended side effects.
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