Java Design Patterns

CHAPTER 23

Visitor Patterns

GoF Definition: Represent an operation to be performed on the elements of an object structure. The visitor pattern lets you define a new operation without changing the classes of the elements on which it operates.

Concept

This pattern helps us to add new functionalities to an existing object structure in such a way that the old structure remains unaffected by these changes. So, we can follow the open/close principle here (i.e., extension allowed but modification disallowed for entities like class, function, modules, etc.).

Real-Life Example

Consider a taxi booking scenario. The taxi arrives at our defined location for ...