Adapter Pattern

Definitions

1. A structural design pattern that makes incompatible interfaces work together by wrapping one interface in a class that implements the expected interface. Like a physical power adapter that converts between plug shapes. Used extensively in hexagonal architecture for database, API, and external service adapters.

   In plain English: A wrapper that makes one piece of code work with another when they have incompatible interfaces, like a plug converter.

   Example: "The Stripe adapter wraps the Stripe SDK to match our PaymentGateway interface — swapping to Braintree only requires a new adapter."

Related Terms

• Webhook vs. Polling
• Payment Gateway
• Hexagonal Architecture
• Factory Pattern
• Observer Pattern
• Strategy Pattern
• Builder Pattern
• Repository Pattern
• Clean Architecture
• Anti-Corruption Layer