Default Arguments vs Builder Pattern

Developers should use default arguments to create more flexible and user-friendly APIs, especially when functions have optional parameters that commonly use specific values meets developers should use the builder pattern when dealing with objects that have many optional parameters or complex initialization logic, as it improves code readability and reduces the risk of errors from telescoping constructors. Here's our take.

Default Arguments

Nice Pick

Developers should use default arguments to create more flexible and user-friendly APIs, especially when functions have optional parameters that commonly use specific values

Pros

• For example, in configuration functions where most calls use standard settings, or in utility functions where sensible defaults reduce boilerplate code
• Related to: function-overloading, named-arguments

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Builder Pattern

Developers should use the Builder Pattern when dealing with objects that have many optional parameters or complex initialization logic, as it improves code readability and reduces the risk of errors from telescoping constructors

Pros

• It is commonly applied in scenarios like building configuration objects, creating immutable objects, or handling objects with numerous fields, such as in data models or API request builders
• Related to: design-patterns, object-oriented-programming

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use Default Arguments if: You want for example, in configuration functions where most calls use standard settings, or in utility functions where sensible defaults reduce boilerplate code and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use Builder Pattern if: You prioritize it is commonly applied in scenarios like building configuration objects, creating immutable objects, or handling objects with numerous fields, such as in data models or api request builders over what Default Arguments offers.

The Bottom Line

Default Arguments wins

Developers should use default arguments to create more flexible and user-friendly APIs, especially when functions have optional parameters that commonly use specific values