What the proxy pattern is
The proxy pattern is a software design pattern in which one object, the proxy, stands in for another object and controls access to it. Clients interact with the proxy as though it were the real object, but the proxy can add behavior around the access, such as checks or other handling, before passing the request along. It acts as a surrogate for the real thing.
A stand-in object
The core idea of a proxy is that it represents another object. It shares the same interface, so clients can use it in place of the real object without knowing the difference. The proxy holds a reference to the real object and forwards requests to it. This positioning lets the proxy intervene whenever the object is accessed, which is where its usefulness comes from.
Controlling access
Because the proxy sits between the client and the real object, it can control access. It might check whether the client is allowed to perform an action, delay creating the real object until it is actually needed, or manage the interaction in other ways. The proxy decides how and when to pass requests to the real object, adding a layer of control around it.
Why the pattern is useful
The proxy pattern is useful whenever you want to manage access to an object without changing the object itself or the client. By placing a proxy in front, you can add behavior such as access control or deferred creation transparently. The real object stays focused on its job, while the proxy handles the surrounding concerns, keeping responsibilities cleanly separated.
Proxy among design patterns
The proxy is one of the classic design patterns for structuring access to objects. Calling something a proxy conveys that it stands in for another object and governs access to it. Recognizing this pattern helps developers add controlled indirection and discuss how access to objects is being managed.
Why it matters
The proxy pattern is a valuable design pattern for controlling access. Understanding what it is - a stand-in that governs access to another object - clarifies a flexible way to add behavior around an object. For anyone learning software design, it is a valuable concept to understand.
Related on Skillo
See also: What is a design pattern? Explained, What is the singleton pattern? Explained.
Sources
Published date reflects the original event date (2026-02-24). This article is original Skillo editorial written from the sources above; facts were verified in September 2026.
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