Template Method pattern in LLD - Practice Problems & Coding Challenges

Challenge - 5 Problems

🧠 Conceptual

intermediate

Understanding the Template Method pattern structure

Which statement best describes the role of the template method in the Template Method pattern?

A It defines the skeleton of an algorithm, deferring some steps to subclasses.

B It implements all steps of an algorithm without allowing subclass changes.

C It is a utility method used only for helper functions unrelated to the algorithm.

D It forces subclasses to implement the entire algorithm from scratch.

💡 Hint

Think about how the pattern controls the overall process while allowing flexibility.

The template method defines the fixed sequence of steps for an algorithm but lets subclasses override specific steps to customize behavior.

❓ Architecture

intermediate

Identifying components in a Template Method pattern diagram

In a Template Method pattern UML diagram, which component is typically abstract and contains the template method?

A Client

B AbstractClass

C ConcreteClass

D UtilityClass

💡 Hint

Consider which class defines the algorithm skeleton and which implements details.

The AbstractClass defines the template method and declares abstract steps. ConcreteClass implements these steps.

❓ scaling

advanced

Scaling Template Method pattern for multiple algorithms

You have several algorithms that share a common structure but differ in some steps. Which approach best scales the Template Method pattern for this scenario?

A Write the full algorithm in the client code for each variant.

B Implement all algorithms in one concrete class with conditional statements inside the template method.

C Use separate unrelated classes for each algorithm without inheritance.

D Create one abstract class with a template method and multiple subclasses for each algorithm variant.

💡 Hint

Think about how inheritance and overriding help manage variations.

Using one abstract class with a template method and subclasses for variants promotes code reuse and clean separation of differences.

❓ tradeoff

advanced

Tradeoffs of using Template Method pattern

What is a common tradeoff when using the Template Method pattern in system design?

A It increases code reuse but can make subclassing complex and tightly coupled.

B It eliminates the need for subclasses entirely, simplifying the codebase.

C It reduces flexibility by forcing all steps to be implemented in the base class.

D It always improves performance by avoiding method calls.

💡 Hint

Consider how inheritance affects coupling and complexity.

The pattern promotes reuse but subclasses depend on the base class structure, which can increase coupling and complexity.

❓ component

expert

Request flow in Template Method pattern with hooks

Consider a Template Method pattern where the abstract class defines optional hook methods that subclasses may override. Which sequence best describes the request flow when the template method is called?

A Hooks execute before the template method starts and after it ends, but not during.

B Subclasses call the template method directly, skipping hooks.

C Template method calls fixed steps in order, invoking hooks if overridden, then completes.

D The client calls hooks directly, which then call the template method.

💡 Hint

Think about how hooks provide optional extension points inside the fixed algorithm.

The template method controls the flow, calling fixed steps and optional hooks if subclasses override them, ensuring consistent algorithm structure.

Practice

1. What is the main purpose of the Template Method pattern in system design?

easy

A. To replace all methods with completely new implementations

B. To define a fixed sequence of steps with some customizable parts

C. To allow direct modification of the entire process by subclasses

D. To create multiple unrelated classes with no shared behavior

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the Template Method pattern goal

   The pattern fixes the overall process flow but allows subclasses to customize certain steps.

2. Step 2: Analyze each option

   To define a fixed sequence of steps with some customizable parts correctly describes this fixed sequence with customizable parts. Options A, B, and C do not match the pattern's intent.

3. Final Answer:

   To define a fixed sequence of steps with some customizable parts -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Template Method = fixed process + flexible steps [OK]

Hint: Remember: fixed order, flexible details [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking subclasses rewrite the whole process
• Confusing Template Method with Strategy pattern
• Believing the pattern removes all common code
• Assuming no steps are customizable

2. Which of the following is the correct way to declare a template method in a class?

easy

A. Override all methods in subclasses without calling base methods

B. Define multiple unrelated methods without calling each other

C. Define a method that calls other methods in a fixed order

D. Use a method that randomly calls other methods

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify the structure of a template method

   A template method is a method that defines the sequence of steps by calling other methods in order.

2. Step 2: Evaluate each option

   Define a method that calls other methods in a fixed order matches this definition. Options B, C, and D do not follow the fixed sequence concept.

3. Final Answer:

   Define a method that calls other methods in a fixed order -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Template method = fixed calls order [OK]

Hint: Template method calls steps in order [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Not calling methods in a fixed sequence
• Overriding template method instead of steps
• Ignoring the fixed process structure
• Using random or unordered calls

3. Consider this simplified template method code in Python:

class Game:
    def play(self):
        self.start()
        self.play_turn()
        self.end()

    def start(self):
        print('Game started')

    def play_turn(self):
        print('Playing turn')

    def end(self):
        print('Game ended')

class Chess(Game):
    def play_turn(self):
        print('Chess turn played')

chess = Chess()
chess.play()

What will be the output when chess.play() is called?

medium

A. Game ended
Chess turn played
Game started

B. Chess turn played
Game started
Game ended

C. Game started
Playing turn
Game ended

D. Game started
Chess turn played
Game ended

Solution

1. Step 1: Trace the play() method calls

   The play() method calls start(), play_turn(), and end() in order.

2. Step 2: Identify overridden methods

   Chess overrides play_turn(), so Chess's version prints 'Chess turn played'. start() and end() use base class prints.

3. Final Answer:

   Game started Chess turn played Game ended -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Template calls base start/end + overridden play_turn [OK]

Hint: Overridden steps print their own messages [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Ignoring method overriding
• Assuming base play_turn() runs
• Mixing order of prints
• Thinking play() is overridden

4. In the following code, what is the main problem that breaks the Template Method pattern?

class Report:
    def generate(self):
        self.load_data()
        self.process_data()
        self.save_report()

    def load_data(self):
        print('Loading data')

    def process_data(self):
        print('Processing data')

    def save_report(self):
        print('Saving report')

class CustomReport(Report):
    def generate(self):
        print('Custom generate start')
        self.load_data()
        self.process_data()
        self.save_report()
        print('Custom generate end')

medium

A. The subclass overrides the template method instead of steps

B. The base class does not define any methods

C. The subclass does not call any base methods

D. The base class methods are private

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify the template method and overrides

   The base class defines generate() as the template method. The subclass overrides generate() itself.

2. Step 2: Understand Template Method pattern rules

   In this pattern, subclasses should override steps, not the template method, to keep the fixed process intact.

3. Final Answer:

   The subclass overrides the template method instead of steps -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Template method must not be overridden [OK]

Hint: Override steps, not the template method [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Overriding the whole template method
• Ignoring base class method definitions
• Assuming private methods cause issues
• Thinking subclass must call base generate() explicitly

5. You are designing a document processing system where each document type requires a specific sequence of steps: open, parse, validate, save, and close. You want to ensure the sequence is fixed but allow each document type to customize parsing and validation. How should you apply the Template Method pattern here?

hard

A. Create a base class with a template method calling open, parse, validate, save, close; subclasses override parse and validate

B. Let each subclass implement its own full process without a base class

C. Use separate unrelated classes for each step without a fixed sequence

D. Make all steps abstract and force subclasses to implement the entire process

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify fixed and customizable parts

   The sequence (open, parse, validate, save, close) is fixed; parse and validate vary by document type.

2. Step 2: Apply Template Method pattern correctly

   Create a base class with a template method that calls all steps in order. Subclasses override parse and validate to customize behavior.

3. Final Answer:

   Create a base class with a template method calling open, parse, validate, save, close; subclasses override parse and validate -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Fixed sequence + customizable steps = Template Method [OK]

Hint: Fix sequence in base; override variable steps in subclasses [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Not fixing the sequence in one place
• Forcing subclasses to rewrite entire process
• Ignoring the need for a template method
• Separating steps without order control