Abstract

In software engineering, patterns are design solutions to common recurring problems. Patterns are influenced by design approaches from architecture, where modular design elements that have satisfied clients in given contexts are documented and shared, by means of a pattern language. This idea of capturing good design practice motivated software designers, and an initial library of design patterns was published and successfully diffused into software practice. The application of software patterns subsequently widened and embraced other phases of the software engineering life cycle, including architectural design, requirements analysis, software configuration management, and software management, including aspects of organizational design. This entry presents a high-level overview of patterns, including their history, patterns types, and how patterns can be used throughout the software engineering life cycle.