layout	pattern
title	Abstract Document
folder	abstract-document
permalink	/patterns/abstract-document/
categories	Structural
tags	Extensibility

Intent

Achieve flexibility of untyped languages and keep the type-safety

Class diagram

Applicability

Use the Abstract Document Pattern when

• there is a need to add new properties on the fly
• you want a flexible way to organize domain in tree like structure
• you want more loosely coupled system

Credits

• Wikipedia: Abstract Document Pattern
• Martin Fowler: Dealing with properties