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Observer

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May 1, 2024 3 minute read

The Observer pattern is a software design pattern that defines a one-to-many dependency between objects so that when one object changes state, all its dependents are notified and updated automatically.

Origins and History

The Observer pattern was first discussed in the book Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software by Erich Gamma, Richard Helm, Ralph Johnson, and John Vlissides, also known as the "Gang of Four". They proposed the Observer pattern as a way to decouple objects and make it easier to manage changes in the state of an object.

Benefits of the Observer Pattern

The Observer pattern offers several benefits, including:

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Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Observer.
Provides a thorough exploration of the Observer pattern, covering its history, principles, and best practices.
Discusses the benefits and drawbacks of using the Observer pattern in Java, providing guidance on when to use it and when to avoid it.
Explores the use of the Observer pattern in parallel programming, discussing its benefits and limitations.
Provides an overview of the Observer pattern in Kotlin, discussing its syntax and how it can be used in practice.
Provides a chapter on the Observer pattern in Go, discussing its implementation and use cases.
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