Coplien's Pattern Definition

• Pattern name 
  A name by which the pattern is called.

• The problem the pattern is trying to solve    
  If people know what problem the pattern solves, they'll know when to apply it.

• Context   
  A pattern solves a problem in a given context and it may not make sense elsewhere.

• Forces, or tradeoffs
  Why is it a problem? What forces are making this a problem?

• Solution 
  This describes the structure, behavior, etc., of the solution, which is often tantamount of telling of how to build the solution

• Examples
  Examples are good for understanding and representing patterns.

• Force resolution
  A good pattern tells what forces it leaves unresolved, or what other patterns must be applied, and how the context is changed by the pattern.

• Design rationale
  This tells where the pattern came from, why it works, and why experts use it.