When not to use Adapter Design Pattern?

1. When Interfaces Are Stable:
   • Scenario: If the interfaces of the existing system and the new system are stable and not expected to change frequently.
   • Reason: Adapters are most beneficial when dealing with evolving or incompatible interfaces. If the interfaces are stable, the overhead of maintaining adapters might outweigh the benefits.
2. When Direct Modification Is Feasible:
   • Scenario: If you have control over the source code of the existing system, and it’s feasible to directly modify its interface to match the target interface.
   • Reason: If you can modify the existing code, direct adaptation of interfaces might be a simpler and more straightforward solution than introducing adapters.
3. When Performance is Critical:
   • Scenario: In performance-critical applications where the overhead introduced by the Adapter pattern is not acceptable.
   • Reason: Adapters may introduce a level of indirection and abstraction, which could have a minor impact on performance. In situations where every bit of performance matters, the Adapter pattern might not be the best choice.
4. When Multiple Adapters Are Required:
   • Scenario: If a system requires numerous adapters for various components, and the complexity of managing these adapters becomes overwhelming.
   • Reason: Managing a large number of adapters might lead to increased complexity and maintenance challenges. In such cases, reconsider the overall design or explore alternatives.
5. When Adapters Introduce Ambiguity:
   • Scenario: When introducing adapters leads to ambiguity or confusion in the overall system architecture.
   • Reason: If the presence of adapters makes the system design less clear or harder to understand, it may be worthwhile to explore alternative solutions that offer a clearer design.

The Adapter design pattern is a structural pattern that allows the interface of an existing class to be used as another interface. It acts as a bridge between two incompatible interfaces, making them work together. This pattern involves a single class, known as the adapter, which is responsible for joining functionalities of independent or incompatible interfaces.

Let’s understand this concept using a simple example:

Let’s say you have two friends, one who speaks only English and another who speaks only French. You want them to communicate, but there’s a language barrier.

• You act as an adapter, translating messages between them. Your role allows the English speaker to convey messages to you, and you convert those messages into French for the other person.
• In this way, despite the language difference, your adaptation enables smooth communication between your friends.
• This role you play is similar to the Adapter design pattern, bridging the gap between incompatible interfaces.