Design Patterns Explained: A New Perspective on Object-Oriented Design

Overview

In previous chapters, I discussed three fundamental concepts of object-oriented design: objects, encapsulation, and abstract classes. How a designer views these concepts is important. The traditional ways are simply too limiting. In this chapter I step back and reflect on topics discussed earlier in the book. My intent is to describe a new way of seeing object-oriented design, which comes from the perspective that design patterns create.

In this chapter,

• I compare and contrast the traditional way of looking at objects—as a bundle of data and methods—with the new way—as things with responsibilities.

• I compare and contrast the traditional way of looking at encapsulation—as hiding data—with the new way—as the ability to hide anything. Especially ...