Design Patterns in C#: A Hands-on Guide with Real-World Examples

© Vaskaran Sarcar 2018

V. SarcarDesign Patterns in C#https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4842-3640-6_25

25. Null Object Pattern

Vaskaran Sarcar¹  

(1)

Whitefield, Bangalore, Karnataka, India

 

This chapter covers the Null Object pattern.

Definition

There is no universally accepted definition. So, let’s choose the definition from Wikipedia which says the following:

“In object-oriented computer programming, a null object is an object with no referenced value or with defined neutral (‘null’) behavior. The null object design pattern describes the uses of such objects and their behavior (or lack thereof). It was first published in the Pattern Languages of Program Design book series.”

Concept

The pattern can implement a “do-nothing” relationship, or it can provide a ...