Table Data Gateway Pattern vs Data Mapper Pattern

Developers should use this pattern when building applications that require simple, direct access to database tables without complex business rules or relationships, such as in CRUD-heavy systems or legacy codebases meets developers should use the data mapper pattern when building applications that require a clean separation between domain objects and database schemas, such as in enterprise systems or complex domain-driven designs. Here's our take.

Table Data Gateway Pattern

Nice Pick

Developers should use this pattern when building applications that require simple, direct access to database tables without complex business rules or relationships, such as in CRUD-heavy systems or legacy codebases

Pros

• It is particularly useful for reducing code duplication in data access layers and providing a clear abstraction over database operations, though it may not be suitable for complex domain models where patterns like Repository or Data Mapper are more appropriate
• Related to: data-access-patterns, repository-pattern

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Data Mapper Pattern

Developers should use the Data Mapper Pattern when building applications that require a clean separation between domain objects and database schemas, such as in enterprise systems or complex domain-driven designs

Pros

• It is particularly useful for maintaining testability, as it allows mocking of data access layers, and for scenarios where database changes should not directly impact the business logic, enabling easier maintenance and scalability
• Related to: object-relational-mapping, design-patterns

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use Table Data Gateway Pattern if: You want it is particularly useful for reducing code duplication in data access layers and providing a clear abstraction over database operations, though it may not be suitable for complex domain models where patterns like repository or data mapper are more appropriate and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use Data Mapper Pattern if: You prioritize it is particularly useful for maintaining testability, as it allows mocking of data access layers, and for scenarios where database changes should not directly impact the business logic, enabling easier maintenance and scalability over what Table Data Gateway Pattern offers.

The Bottom Line

Table Data Gateway Pattern wins

Developers should use this pattern when building applications that require simple, direct access to database tables without complex business rules or relationships, such as in CRUD-heavy systems or legacy codebases