Prototype

This is a UML class diagram example for the prototype design pattern.

Purpose

Create objects based upon a template of an existing objects through cloning.

Use When

• Composition, creation, and representation of objects should be decoupled from a system.
• Classes to be created are specified at runtime.
• A limited number of state combinations exist in an object.
• Objects or object structures are required that are identical or closely resemble other existing objects or object structures.
• The initial creation of each object is an expensive operation.