Exploring the Proxy Design Pattern in Java
The Proxy Design Pattern is a powerful tool that allows us to control access to objects and add additional functionality without changing the object’s interface. We will discuss Proxy Design Pattern in detail, its uses, and real-world examples in Java.
Understanding the Proxy Design Pattern:
The Proxy Design Pattern falls under the structural design pattern category. It involves creating a surrogate or placeholder for another object to control access to it. This intermediary object, known as the Proxy can perform various tasks, such as lazy initialization, access control, caching, and more.
The Proxy pattern typically consists of three key components:
1. Subject: An interface or an abstract class that defines the common interface between the Proxy and the Real Subject.
2. Real Subject: The actual object that the Proxy represents. It contains the real implementation of the functionality we want to access.
3. Proxy: The surrogate object that implements the same interface as the Real Subject. The Proxy controls and manages access to the Real Subject and can add additional behavior as needed.
Example: