What are design patterns in programming?

Design patterns in programming refer to standard solutions to common software design problems. They are best practices that have been developed and refined over time to address recurring issues that developers encounter. By using design patterns, programmers can benefit from proven approaches that improve the organization and maintainability of code.

For example, patterns like Singleton, Factory, and Observer provide reusable templates that solve specific problems in a consistent manner, facilitating better communication among developers and leading to more efficient code development. Instead of reinventing the wheel for each project, developers can apply these established patterns, increasing productivity and reducing the likelihood of bugs.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of design patterns. New coding languages are unrelated to this concept, as design patterns exist within existing languages. Unique algorithms that are rarely used do not reflect the purpose of design patterns, which are widely recognized and utilized. Lastly, steps in the software development lifecycle pertain to the process of developing software rather than specific design solutions to problems within that process.