Software patterns can be represented in several ways and finding the best way is a challenging task. Pattern by Example, a unique tool generated by Delta Software Technology, showed that using examples to represent patterns is feasible even without further descriptions. Pattern by Example demonstrated how an example of the pattern can be used to abstract away implementation details. It also allows users to generate similar designs using intermediate representation file that was extracted from the original example
This tool has a great potential in software design and development. Its implementation and use needs to be further investigated and tested. While it will not replace design pattern descriptions used in educational materials, it might replace the common practice of copy/pasting example source code with something a little bit more formal.