Adapter
In plain terms
A pattern that lets incompatible interfaces work together.
Going deeper
An adapter wraps one interface to look like another the client expects, enabling reuse of existing code without changing it. It's the glue between mismatched components.
Under the hood
Wraps an existing interface to match what a client expects; object adapters use composition, class adapters use inheritance. Eases integrating legacy or third-party code.
Examples
Wrapping a legacy API, power-plug adapters, type-A to type-B interface bridges.
Think of it like...
Like a travel plug adapter: it lets your charger fit a foreign socket without rewiring the charger or the wall.