A pattern is a regular and predictable repetition of elements, such as lines, shapes, colors, numbers, or behaviors. It involves an arrangement where certain components repeat in a consistent manner over time or space. Patterns can be found in nature, human-made designs, abstract ideas, and various fields like mathematics, software engineering, and art
. More specifically:
- In general terms, a pattern is any regularly repeated arrangement, especially a design made from repeated lines, shapes, or colors on a surface
- In mathematics, a pattern is a sequence of repeating objects, shapes, or numbers that follow a rule determining which objects belong to the pattern and which do not. Patterns can be finite or infinite and include shape patterns, letter patterns, and number patterns
- In software design, a pattern is a high-level description of a proven solution to a recurring problem, serving as a blueprint rather than a specific piece of code. It helps developers apply best practices and lessons learned to create software architectures
- Visually, a pattern is created by repeating a module or element continuously with continuity, often used in design and decoration
- Patterns also describe predictable behaviors or routes, such as traffic patterns or behavioral patterns
In essence, a pattern is a recognizable and repeatable arrangement or sequence that can be used to understand, predict, or create structures and behaviors across various domains.
