In this chapter, we have reviewed a classic object-oriented design pattern, the Template Method, as it applies to C++ programs. This pattern works in C++ as well as in any other object-oriented language, but C++ also has its own flavor of the Template Method—the non-virtual interface idiom. The advantages of this design pattern lead to a rather broad guideline—make all virtual functions private or protected. Be mindful, however, of the specifics of the destructors with regard to polymorphism.
The next chapter introduces a somewhat controversial pattern, the Singleton. Learn about the valid applications of this pattern as well as the misuse that gives it a bad reputation.
