Prototype
The Prototype design pattern allows us to create new instances based on
existing ones, called prototypes, by cloning them. For example, this is the
principle how all class instances in JavaScript are
created. The pattern finds its place in other languages as well, where it makes
creating objects easier in certain situations and it replaces the
switch construct. Sometimes, we can also use it instead of the Factory
design pattern, for example, when the class constructor performs some
complex logic and cloning the prototypes is more performance-efficient than
creating new instances over and over again.
Motivation
The class which instances are intended to be cloned to create new ones is called a prototype. You can see concrete prototypes and also prototypes implemented as an abstract class or interface.
We can use prototypes in several situations. Imagine, for example, that you are parsing an XML file with some
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The Prototype design pattern creates new instances by cloning existing prototypes. It allows us to replace the switch construct.
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