Gain insights into software design patterns in C, explore their implementation, discover underlying principles, and learn to build a vocabulary for better communication and coding practices.

c.tar.gz

main+customer.c

main+customer.c-copy

watches

customers

observer

Reactor

Reactor-copy

observer-copy

Software design patterns are a valuable tool in any software developer's skill set. However, most design patterns are described in the context of an object-oriented programming language such as C++ or Java. The C language is sadly absent in the pattern literature. This course is here to change that by demonstrating that it is possible to use patterns in C programs and how it adds benefits to C programmers. You will learn why design patterns are more of a communication tool than technical solutions, and how patterns let you build and share a common vocabulary that simplifies communication.

The course presents a number of patterns and explains how to implement them in C. Each pattern is introduced via the problem it solves and the domains where the pattern can be used. We also discuss the underlying design principles as well as the trade-offs when applying the pattern. Finally, the course covers a set of coding idioms that will guide you when applying design patterns in C.

Software Design Patterns in C

As clients only use a handle, which we have declared as a pointer, to the ADT, the issue of copy semantics
boils down to pointer assignment. While efficient, in terms of run-time performance, copies of a handle
have to be managed properly. The handles are only valid as long as the real object exists.

In case we want to copy the real object and thus create a new, unique instance of the ADT, we have
to define an explicit copy operation.

With the interface ```Customer.h``` , the C language guarantees us that the internals of the data structure are
encapsulated in the implementation with no possibility for clients to access the internals of the data
structure.

In this lesson, we will explain the consequences of applying the First-Class ADT pattern.

Introduction to Pattern in C

The First-Class ADT Pattern

The State Pattern

The Strategy Pattern

The Observer Pattern

The Reactor Pattern

Idiomatic Expressions

Conclusion

Consequences of the First-Class ADT pattern

Copy semantics

Dependencies managed