What are “pattern languages” vis-a-vis “pattern systems”?
Bruce: These are simply different terms for the same thing. The term “pattern language” is confusing as it isn’t clear where the language is, how meaningful things in it are made up, or what they mean. I like to say “system of patterns” or “interlocking set of patterns”. Don: In many pattern languages, the systemic aspect is clearest where they can be connected by following the resulting context of one pattern into the context of one or more others. This is what makes a system of patterns most useful in the real world. What is the definition of a pattern language? Bruce: Perhaps there isn’t a definition, just explanations appropriate to the context of the question. I usually say “A pattern is a solution to a problem in a context. A pattern language is a collaborating set of patterns that operate in a domain of problems” at some time, but before that I present examples, and before that I want to know why the questioner is asking. Can the definition of pattern languages be standardized?
