---
layout: pattern
title: Singleton
folder: singleton
permalink: /patterns/singleton/
categories: Creational
tags:
 - Java
 - Gang Of Four
 - Difficulty-Beginner
---

## Intent
Ensure a class only has one instance, and provide a global point of
access to it.


## Explanation
Real world example

> There can only be one ivory tower where the wizards study their magic. The same enchanted ivory tower is always used by the wizards. Ivory tower here is singleton.

In plain words

> Ensures that only one object of a particular class is ever created.

Wikipedia says

> In software engineering, the singleton pattern is a software design pattern that restricts the instantiation of a class to one object. This is useful when exactly one object is needed to coordinate actions across the system.

**Programmatic Example**

Joshua Bloch, Effective Java 2nd Edition p.18

> A single-element enum type is the best way to implement a singleton

```
public enum EnumIvoryTower {
  INSTANCE;
}
```

Then in order to use

```
EnumIvoryTower enumIvoryTower1 = EnumIvoryTower.INSTANCE;
EnumIvoryTower enumIvoryTower2 = EnumIvoryTower.INSTANCE;
assertEquals(enumIvoryTower1, enumIvoryTower2); // true
```

## Applicability
Use the Singleton pattern when

* there must be exactly one instance of a class, and it must be accessible to clients from a well-known access point
* when the sole instance should be extensible by subclassing, and clients should be able to use an extended instance without modifying their code

## Typical Use Case

* the logging class
* managing a connection to a database
* file manager

## Real world examples

* [java.lang.Runtime#getRuntime()](http://docs.oracle.com/javase/8/docs/api/java/lang/Runtime.html#getRuntime%28%29)
* [java.awt.Desktop#getDesktop()](http://docs.oracle.com/javase/8/docs/api/java/awt/Desktop.html#getDesktop--)
* [java.lang.System#getSecurityManager()](http://docs.oracle.com/javase/8/docs/api/java/lang/System.html#getSecurityManager--)


## Consequences

* Violates Single Responsibility Principle (SRP) by controlling their own creation and lifecycle.
* Encourages using a global shared instance which prevents an object and resources used by this object from being deallocated.     
* Creates tightly coupled code. The clients of the Singleton become difficult to test.
* Makes it almost impossible to subclass a Singleton.

## Credits

* [Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software](http://www.amazon.com/Design-Patterns-Elements-Reusable-Object-Oriented/dp/0201633612)
* [Effective Java (2nd Edition)](http://www.amazon.com/Effective-Java-Edition-Joshua-Bloch/dp/0321356683)
