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Code & Deliverynoun · /dɪˈzaɪn ˈpætən/

design pattern

In simple English

A design pattern is a general, repeatable solution to a common software design problem. Rather than inventing new code solutions from scratch, developers use established design patterns that have been tested and refined over many years. Design patterns provide a shared vocabulary among developers, making code easier to understand and communicate about. Design patterns are typically organized into three categories: creational patterns (how objects are created), structural patterns (how objects are composed and related), and behavioral patterns (how objects interact and distribute responsibility). Examples include the Singleton pattern, the Observer pattern, and the Factory pattern. In real tech workplaces, understanding design patterns is essential for code reviews, technical interviews, and communicating architectural decisions. Teams often discuss whether to apply a specific pattern when solving new problems, and junior developers learn patterns as part of their professional growth.

What are design patterns and how do they help solve common coding problems?

At a glanceCEFR B2
Commonness5/5
Versatility5/5
FormalityCasualFormalFormal
Spoken ↔ WrittenSpokenWrittenBoth
Directness ↔ DiplomaticDirectDiplomaticDirect
RegionUS and UK
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Say it like this

We should follow the MVC design pattern for this project.
That is a textbook example of the Singleton design pattern.
Have you considered using a design pattern here instead of custom logic?

Real examples

in a standup

"I am refactoring the notification system using the Observer design pattern to decouple the event handlers."

in a code review

"This implementation looks good, but have you considered applying the Factory design pattern to simplify object creation?"

in a team meeting

"We need to decide which design pattern best fits our authentication requirements before we start coding."

Don't say this

Handle with care. Non-native speakers sometimes confuse design patterns with UI/UX design. Design patterns are reusable code solutions, not visual designs.

We need to design pattern this code.
We should apply a design pattern to improve this code.Design pattern is a noun, not a verb. You apply or use a design pattern, not design pattern something.
The design pattern is responsible for the bug.
The way we implemented the design pattern caused the bug.A design pattern itself is not responsible for bugs; the implementation of it may be flawed.
We need a better design pattern for our UI colors.
We need a better color scheme for our UI design.Design patterns are for code architecture, not visual or UI design. Confusing terminology leads to miscommunication.

Other forms

noun

design pattern

"The Singleton design pattern restricts a class to a single instance."

noun

design patterns (plural)

"Learning common design patterns will improve your code quality significantly."

verb phrase

apply a design pattern

"We applied the Strategy design pattern to handle different payment methods."

Often used with

implement a design patternUsed when putting a design pattern into code; most common usage in development work.
apply a design patternSimilar to implement; emphasizes selecting and using the pattern for a specific problem.
follow a design patternUsed when adhering to an established pattern during development.
creational design patternsPatterns related to object creation mechanisms.
structural design patternsPatterns dealing with object composition and relationships.
behavioral design patternsPatterns focused on object collaboration and responsibility distribution.
common design patternsPatterns widely used across the industry like MVC, Observer, Factory, Singleton.

Similar words

architectural patternBroader term covering system-level solutions; design patterns are more code-level.
templateSometimes used loosely, but less precise; template may refer to code scaffolding rather than a reusable solution approach.
best practiceRelated but less specific; design patterns are formally documented best practices with defined structure.

Opposites

anti-patterncode smell

Practice

Try it

4 quick exercises

Pick the most natural phrasing

1. Your colleague asks why you structured the code this way. How do you respond most naturally?

Complete the sentence

2. In this code review, we recommended _______ the Factory design pattern to simplify the object creation logic.

Spot the mistake

3. Which sentence uses design pattern incorrectly?

Rewrite naturally

4. Rewrite this in natural tech English: The way we made the objects work together was not following good code solutions that other companies already used.

Questions

Quick poll

Have you said "design pattern" in a standup this week?

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