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The 6 Elements of Pattern Language (PL)
How to solve complex and extreme problems through pattern recognition.
A pattern is a type of theme of recurring events or objects, sometimes referred to as elements of a set of objects. The elements of a pattern repeat in a predictable manner. Patterns can be based on a template or model which generates pattern elements.
PL is a type of sophisticated problem solving dialect. Keep in mind that architect Chris Alexander who created the concept generally speaks of design problems when discussing pattern language but that term can be applied to anyone creating or “designing” a system with many components
Pattern language is a term coined Christopher Alexander, to define a structured method of describing good design practices within a field of expertise. Alexander recognized that a skilled person could create a specific, detailed description of a perennial solution to a recurring problem within a building context. Like all languages, a pattern language has vocabulary, syntax, and grammar. Unlike most languages pattern language can be applied to the solving complex problems that are not related to communication.
There are times where simply dissecting a problem into sub-problems will not make a solution apparent and the patterns that reflect the problem are…
