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A pattern of class definition that is used as a generator of instances of other classes. Often used to create platform- or locale-specific implementations of abstract classes or interfaces. This reduces coupling between classes as it frees the factory's client from a need to know about particular implementations.
- Browse Related Terms: Abstraction, accessor method, coupling, divide and conquer, factory pattern, floating point number, inconsistent state, information hiding, locale, mutator method, object-oriented design, pattern, singleton pattern, state, wrapper