Difference between revisions of "Observer pattern"
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| − | The '''observer pattern''' is a [[software design pattern]] in which an object, called the subject, maintains a list of its dependents, called observers, and notifies them automatically of any state changes, usually by calling one of their methods. | + | The '''observer pattern''' is a [[software design pattern]] in which an object, called the subject, maintains a list of its dependents, called '''observers''', and notifies them automatically of any state changes, usually by calling one of their methods. |
== Description == | == Description == | ||
Revision as of 10:22, 21 April 2016
The observer pattern is a software design pattern in which an object, called the subject, maintains a list of its dependents, called observers, and notifies them automatically of any state changes, usually by calling one of their methods.
Description
The Observer pattern is mainly used to implement distributed event handling systems.
It is also a key part in the model–view–controller (MVC) architectural pattern.
The observer pattern is implemented in numerous programming libraries and systems, including almost all GUI toolkits.
Memory leaks
The observer pattern can cause memory leaks, known as the lapsed listener problem.
The observer pattern requires both explicit registration and explicit deregistration (as in the dispose pattern), because the subject holds strong references to the observers, keeping them alive.
Leakage can be prevented by the subject holding weak references to the observers.
Related patterns
Related patterns include:
See also
External links
- Observer pattern @ Wikipedia
