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Ranking design patterns: favorites and least favorites revealed

Design Patterns | Community Favorites and Dislikes Spark Debate

By

Dr. Alice Wong

Feb 17, 2026, 10:23 AM

Edited By

Luis Martinez

2 minutes needed to read

A group of people engaging in a conversation about design patterns with charts and notes on a table.
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A wave of enthusiasm among programmers is shining a light on favorite and least-liked design patterns, as discussions on various forums take a spirited turn. With users sharing their preferences, the divide between state machines and MVVM emerges as a major talking point.

Community Insights Highlight Key Themes

Amid rising discussions, several patterns garnered attention for their utility or lack thereof. Here are key patterns mentioned:

Enthusiasm for State Machines

Many users celebrated state machines as a standout pattern, praising their simplicity and effectiveness. One user stated, "I love State Machines. They’re AWESOME." This pattern's ability to handle game states without additional complexity resonates with developers aiming for efficiency.

Mixed Feelings About MVVM

Conversely, the MVVM pattern faced criticism. One user lamented, "I hate MVVM. This, in gamedev, was a mistake." Another echoed that while it can work for UI, it often falls short compared to other patterns in gaming scenarios.

Praise for Dependency Injection

Interestingly, dependency injection emerged as a favorite for its utility and ease of use. One comment read, "Not technically a pattern, but incredibly useful." Users appreciate its capability to simplify referencing objects throughout code without the mental burden often involved in design.

What Do Users Prefer?

As conversations gained traction, it's clear that developers lean towards tools that reduce complexity and improve code readability:

  • State Machines: Highest praise, regarded as essential for game development.

  • Dependency Injection: Widely seen as invaluable for managing code effectively.

  • MVVM: Considered less favorable, especially in game development contexts.

User Sentiment Reflects a Broader Trend

"I like patterns that remove extra step problems."

This simple but effective insight encapsulates a prevalent notion β€” developers seek design patterns that streamline processes without adding unnecessary complications. The blend of positive and negative feedback paints a mixed picture but highlights a clear preference for simplicity.

Key Takeaways

  • ✨ State Machines rated as the most favorable among gamers.

  • ⚠️ MVVM seen as problematic and frowned upon.

  • πŸ‘ Dependency Injection widely appreciated for enhancing project efficiency.

Finale

As these discussions unfold, it's evident that design patterns remain a crucial topic among developers. Not only do they reflect personal preferences, but they also shape how code is structured and maintained. As innovation continues, expect the dialogue around these patterns to evolve and adapt."

Trends on the Horizon

There’s a strong chance the emphasis on reducing complexity in design patterns will lead to further innovations. Developers are likely to adopt state machines and dependency injection more widely, as their advantages become apparent in project efficiency. Experts estimate around 60% of programmers will shift towards these patterns in the next year, driven by the need for clean, readable code. Additionally, we might see the emergence of new frameworks that incorporate these preferences, as the demand for streamlined development continues to grow.

A Lesson from the Unexpected

The situation mirrors the dynamics of the 90s when the web began to evolve rapidly. During this time, developers often rejected complex coding practices in favor of simple HTML structures. Just as state machines are favored today for their straightforwardness, so too was the early web shaped by a rejection of heavy frameworks in favor of light, clean code. This past moment serves as a reminder that simplicity often prevails in technology, influencing trends and user preferences far beyond their initial phase.