Poltergeist (computer programming): Difference between revisions

Revision as of 21:20, 26 February 2006

Revision as of 21:22, 26 February 2006

Line 1:

{{verify}}

In [[computer programming]], a '''poltergeist''' (or '''gypsy wagon''') is a short-lived, typically stateless object used to perform initialization or to invoke methods in another, more permanent class. The original definition is by Michael Akroyd 1996 - Object World West Conference:

Such objects are examples of an [[anti-pattern]].

The original definition is by Michael Akroyd 1996 - Object World West Conference:

:"As a 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 antipattern 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_", "start_process", etc.

Poltergeists should not be confused with long-lived, state-bearing objects of a [[pattern]] such as [[Model-view-controller]].

To remove a poltergeist, delete the class and insert its functionality in the invoked class.

Such objectsPoltergeists are examples of an [[anti-pattern]].

[[Category:Anti-patterns]]