Analysis

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Analysis

Pattern comparison

Reviewing 3 patterns.

Criteria
structuralAdapterView pattern
structuralFacadeView pattern
behavioralMediatorView pattern
Basics
Categorystructuralstructuralbehavioral
SummaryConvert the interface of a class or module into another interface clients expect.Provide a simplified high-level interface that coordinates a complex subsystem behind a smaller and easier-to-use API.—
IntentAllow incompatible interfaces to work together without changing the consuming code.Provide a simplified high-level interface that coordinates a complex subsystem behind a smaller and easier-to-use API.Define an object that encapsulates communication between a set of objects, keeping them from referring to each other directly.
Decision factors
ProblemA client needs to talk to a legacy class or external service whose interface does not match the rest of the codebase.A client needs to perform a recurring workflow that spans several subsystem classes, but direct coordination makes the code noisy and tightly coupled.Multiple objects need to coordinate behavior, but direct references between them create tight coupling and complex dependencies.
Tradeoffs
  • Adds an extra layer of indirection.
  • Can hide useful vendor-specific capabilities if overused.
  • Keeps integration code isolated from core domain logic.
  • Can become a dumping ground if boundaries are unclear.
  • May obscure useful lower-level capabilities from advanced consumers.
  • Simplifies the most common entry points for the system.
  • The mediator can become large and complex if it takes on too much coordination logic.
  • Centralizing behavior can make the mediator a single point of failure if it is poorly designed.
Practical fit
Languages
  • typescript
  • java
  • python
  • go
  • csharp
  • dotnet
  • react
  • angular
  • react-native
  • typescript
  • java
  • python
  • angular
  • react
  • react-native
  • csharp
  • dotnet
  • typescript
  • java
  • python
  • angular
  • react
  • react-native
  • csharp
  • dotnet
Platforms
  • applications
  • apis
  • service layers
  • integrations
  • applications
  • apis
  • service layers
  • Web
  • Backend
  • Mobile
  • UI kits
  • Cross-platform systems
Integration notesAdapters are useful when exposing a stable boundary over a legacy API, vendor SDK, or payload format mismatch.Facades are useful when exposing a stable boundary over a multi-service or mixed-language backend, or when presenting a consistent UI entry point over multiple readiness checks.Mediator is useful for chat systems, form coordination, workflow orchestration, and any domain where many components must collaborate without knowing about each other.