Okay, that’s a bit strong, but it got your attention. In truth, I think design patterns are very useful things. They can aid in understanding software design, for documenting and communicating design, and for applying to or refactoring designs; but many people see them as something more. I saw a consulting job requirement a while ago, and one of the required skills was that the candidate “must have used ALL of the design patterns” documented in the GoF Book. Is this really significantly different than requiring that a building architect has applied every form of archway and flying butress ever used in the history of construction? Isn’t awareness more important than past application? continue reading…