WHAT IS A PATTERN?
From the Dictionary
"fully realized form, original, or model [...] for imitation"
For Software Designers
Part of a system
Description of how to build part of a system
Usually describe software abstractions at a higher level than
procedures or objects
Why are Patterns Important?
Industry focus because of object-oriented programming
Patterns can be used for all systems, not just object oriented ones.
Allow for easier documentation of structure and participants