Kinds Of Patterns

The word pattern means many things to many people...

• an adjustable template like a DressPattern
• a partially specified key as in RegularExpressions
• recurring structures as in art or music

Even within our community patterns can be...

• a frequently occurring diagram fragment à la PeterCoad
• a problem solving configuration of objects and protocols à la DesignPatterns
• an essay in the style of ChristopherAlexander
• a "GammaPattern"
• a "GenerativePattern"
• ProgrammingIdioms
• a StoryPattern? like Kent's QueueStory

(PaulChisholm: I think there may also be KindsOfPatternLanguages.)

And, there is always pressure to create AntiPatterns and MetaPatterns.

The diversity leads some to PatternSkepticism.