Proxy Pattern
In plain terms
A stand-in object controlling access to another object.
Going deeper
The Proxy pattern provides a placeholder that intercepts access to a real object, adding control like lazy loading, caching, or security. It mediates access.
Under the hood
Variants include virtual, protection, and remote proxies; transparent to the client.
Examples
Lazy loading, access control, caching proxies, remote objects, ORMs.
Think of it like...
Like a personal assistant who screens and forwards requests to their busy boss.