Connectingextends

Connectingextends is a software design pattern that blends runtime extension with inheritance-based interfaces. It enables a base component to be augmented by external extensions without altering the original class hierarchy. The pattern relies on a set of connectors or adapters that route method calls from the base component to one or more extension implementations loaded at runtime.

Mechanically, a central registry or service manages available extensions and their connectors. When a method is invoked on the base component, the call is delegated through the connector to the appropriate extension, which may be chosen by configuration, context, or priority. This preserves the base component’s public contract while allowing behavior to be layered, swapped, or extended by plug-in modules.

Origins and scope notes: the term has appeared in discussions of plugin architectures and open-closed design, where long-lived systems seek extensibility without invasive code changes. It is most practical in environments that support dynamic loading, reflection, or explicit extension points, and it is language-agnostic in concept.

Use cases and examples: content management systems, integrated development environments, and game engines frequently employ connector-based extension mechanisms to introduce new features, formats, or behaviors. The approach often complements composition by providing a flexible bridge to external implementations while maintaining a stable interface surface.

Advantages and caveats: advantages include modularity, runtime extensibility, and cleaner separation of concerns. caveats include added complexity, potential performance overhead, version compatibility challenges, and security considerations when loading untrusted extensions. See also plugin architecture, extension points, dynamic loading, and strategy patterns.