Poltergeist (computer programming): Difference between revisions

Revision as of 15:22, 24 October 2024

Latest revision as of 15:23, 24 October 2024

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{{Short description|Computer programming object}}

In [[computer programming]], a '''poltergeist''' (or '''gypsy wagon''') is a short-lived, typically [[State (computer science)|stateless]] object used to perform initialization or to invoke methods in another, more permanent class. It is considered an [[anti-pattern]]. The original definition is by Michael Akroyd 1996at -the 1996 Object World West Conference:{{cn|date=October 2024}}

:"{{blockquote|As a [[Vardo (Romani wagon)|gypsy wagon]] or a [[poltergeist]] appears and disappears mysteriously, so does this short lived object. As a consequence the code is more difficult to maintain and there is unnecessary resource waste. The typical cause for this anti-pattern is poor object design." <!-- I think this is a quote -->}}

A poltergeist can often be identified by its name; they are often called "manager_", "controller_", "supervisor", "start_process", etc.