> "In class-based programming, the factory method pattern is a creational pattern that uses factory methods to deal with the problem of creating objects without having to specify the exact class of the object that will be created. This is done by creating objects by calling a factory method (either specified in an interface and implemented by child classes, or implemented in a base class and optionally overridden by derived classes) rather than by calling a constructor."
* In plain words:
* It provides a way to delegate the instantiation logic to child classes;
---
# Example
* Blacksmith manufactures weapons;
* Elves require Elvish weapons and Orcs require Orcish weapons;
* Depending on the customer at hand, the right type of blacksmith is summoned and, consequently, the right type of weapon;
---
# Programmatic Example
Considering the blacksmith example, we have a blacksmith interface and some implementations for it:
<br/>
```
public interface Blacksmith {
Weapon manufactureWeapon(WeaponType weaponType);
}
public class ElfBlacksmith implements Blacksmith {
public Weapon manufactureWeapon(WeaponType weaponType) {
return new ElfWeapon(weaponType);
}
}
public class OrcBlacksmith implements Blacksmith {
public Weapon manufactureWeapon(WeaponType weaponType) {
return new OrcWeapon(weaponType);
}
}
```
---
# Programmatic Example
Now, as the customers come, the correct type of blacksmith is summoned and weapons are instantiated via the factory method `manufactureWeapon()`:
<br/>
```
Blacksmith blacksmith = new ElfBlacksmith();
blacksmith.manufactureWeapon(WeaponType.SPEAR);
blacksmith.manufactureWeapon(WeaponType.AXE);
// Elvish weapons are created
```
---
# Diagram
* The diagram below showcases the example:
.center[]
---
# Applicability
Use the Factory Method pattern when:
* A class can't anticipate the class of objects it must create;
* A class wants its subclasses to specify the objects it creates;
* Classes delegate responsibility to one of several helper subclasses, and you want to localize the knowledge of which helper subclass is the delegate;
* [Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software](http://www.amazon.com/Design-Patterns-Elements-Reusable-Object-Oriented/dp/0201633612)