Explaining Proxy Pattern Using .NET and C#

Exploring the Advantages of Proxy Patterns

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The Proxy Pattern is a software design technique in which a proxy object is used as an intermediary between two other objects to provide additional functionalities or control access to certain parts of the system.

In this article, we will discuss how the Proxy Pattern can be used in C# to provide an extra layer of security and flexibility when dealing with objects.

We will look at various types of proxies such as virtual proxies, remote proxies, and protection proxies, as well as how they are implemented using C#.

Finally, we will discuss the advantages and caveats of using a Proxy Pattern when programming with C#.

Virtual Proxy

Virtual Proxies are a type of Proxy Pattern used to delay the creation of an object until the moment it is actually needed.

This can be useful when dealing with expensive objects or when the logic for creating an object is complex.

In C#, Virtual Proxies can be implemented by creating an interface or abstract class that represents the object to be proxied, and then extending it to add the logic of creating the object before calling its methods or accessing its fields.

public interface IWork
{
    void DoWork();
}
 
public class RealWork : IWork
{
    public void DoWork()
    {
        Console.WriteLine("Doing something...");
    }
}
 
public class VirtualProxy : IWork
{
    private RealWork realWork;
 
    public void DoWork()
    {
        if (realWork == null)
        {
            realWork = new RealWork();
        }
        realWork.DoWork();
    }
}

Remote Proxy

Remote Proxies are a type of Proxy Pattern used to provide a local reference to an object that exists in a remote address space.

This can be useful when application performance must be optimized by accessing the remote object as if it were local, or when the object is only accessible through a network.

In C#, Remote Proxies can be implemented by creating a wrapper class that provides the same set of methods and properties as the remote object, and then calls methods on the…