In object-oriented computer programming, a factory object is an object (computer science) for creating other objects.

A factory object typically has a method (computer science) for every kind of object it is capable of creating. These methods optionally accept parameters defining how the object is created, and then return the created object.

Factory objects are used in situations where getting hold of an object of a particular kind is a more complex process than simply creating a new object. The factory object might decide the created object s class (computer science) (if applicable) dynamically, return it from an object pool, do complex configuration on the object, or other things.

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