Final answer:
The Strategy pattern is a design pattern that allows for changing the algorithm or strategy of an object at runtime. It involves separating the behavior of an object into different classes, known as strategies, and using composition to select the appropriate strategy at runtime.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Strategy pattern is a design pattern in object-oriented programming that allows for the flexibility to change the algorithm or strategy of an object at runtime without modifying its structure. It involves separating the behavior of an object into different classes, known as strategies, and then using composition to select the appropriate strategy at runtime. This pattern promotes code reuse, enhances maintainability, and improves flexibility.
For example, consider a program that a student is developing to calculate the total cost of an online shopping cart. Instead of having a specific algorithm for calculating the total cost, the student can implement different strategies for applying discounts or calculating taxes. These strategies can be easily swapped out at runtime, depending on the requirements or user preferences.
The Strategy pattern can be particularly useful in situations where there is a need for multiple algorithms or variations of behavior, as it provides a clean and modular way to manage and switch between them.