Analysis

Compare patterns

Evaluate design patterns side by side across intent, tradeoffs, languages, and integration fit.

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Analysis

Pattern comparison

Reviewing 3 patterns.

Criteria
structuralAdapterView pattern
behavioralMediatorView pattern
behavioralStrategyView pattern
Basics
Categorystructuralbehavioralbehavioral
SummaryConvert the interface of a class or module into another interface clients expect.——
IntentAllow incompatible interfaces to work together without changing the consuming code.Define an object that encapsulates communication between a set of objects, keeping them from referring to each other directly.Encapsulate a family of algorithms or behaviors behind a common contract so they can be selected and swapped cleanly.
Decision factors
ProblemA client needs to talk to a legacy class or external service whose interface does not match the rest of the codebase.Multiple objects need to coordinate behavior, but direct references between them create tight coupling and complex dependencies.A system needs to switch between interchangeable behaviors without hardcoding branching logic everywhere.
Tradeoffs
  • Adds an extra layer of indirection.
  • Can hide useful vendor-specific capabilities if overused.
  • Keeps integration code isolated from core domain logic.
  • 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.
  • Adds more moving parts than a direct conditional approach
  • Works best when behavior variations are real and likely to grow
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
  • Web
  • Backend
  • Mobile
  • UI kits
  • Cross-platform systems
  • Web
  • Backend
  • Services
Integration notesAdapters are useful when exposing a stable boundary over a legacy API, vendor SDK, or payload format mismatch.Mediator is useful for chat systems, form coordination, workflow orchestration, and any domain where many components must collaborate without knowing about each other.Strategies can cross codebases through shared contracts, API selection rules, or runtime configuration.