Java Application Architecture: Modularity Patterns with Examples Using OSGi

Introduction

In 1995, design patterns were all the rage. Today, I find the exact opposite. Patterns have become commonplace, and most developers use patterns on a daily basis without giving it much thought. New patterns rarely emerge today that have the same impact of the Gang of Four (GOF) patterns.¹ In fact, the industry has largely moved past the patterns movement. Patterns are no longer fashionable. They are simply part of a developer’s arsenal of tools that help them design software systems.

But, the role design patterns have played over the past decade should not be diminished. They were a catalyst that propelled object-oriented development into the mainstream. They helped legions of developers understand the real value of inheritance and ...