Design pattern vs. Framework

• Framework in general specifies collection of classes and Interfaces that are designed to work together to handle a particular type of Problem. e.g. Struts

• Design Pattern refers to a repeatable solution for a commonly occurring software problem e.g. DAO

A Framework is a skeleton of code used for developing an application with ease.

It could have used several design patterns to implement the skeleton upon which we generally build applications.

Eg. Struts Framework uses MVC2 architecture various design patterns like Front- Controller, Composite Command patterns.

Such design patterns used in the framework also helps to build applications with simplicity eg. struts-config.xml makes our application configurable reusable fewer impacts on changes to functionality (Command pattern)