observer pattern


In some cases, we need an one-to-many relationship between objects. If one object is modified, its dependent objects are to be notified automatically.

Intent

  • Defines a one-to-many dependency between objects so that when one object changes state, all its dependents are notified and updated automatically.

Implementation

Class Diagram of Observer Pattern

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public interface {
void registerObserver(Observer o);
void removeObserver(Observer o);
void notifyObservers();
}

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// Observer.java
public interface Observer {
void update(Data data);
}
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// WeatherData.java
public class WeatherData implements {
public WeatherData() {
observers = new LinkedList<>();
}
public void setData(Data data) {
this.data = data;
notifyObservers();
}
public void registerObserver(Observer o) {
observers.add(o);
}
public void removeObserver(Observer o) {
int i = observers.indexOf(o);
if (i>=0) {
observers.remove(i);
}
}
public void notifyObservers() {
for(Observer observer : observers) {
observer.update(data);
}
}
private List<Observer> observers;
private Data data;
}

Note: Java has built-in classes/interfaces to facilitate the Observer Pattern. Check out java.util.Observer and java.util.Observable for more information.