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Pipe and Filter — Core Concept

publish date: 2026/06/10 21:07:24.977859 UTC

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Which of the following best describes the Pipe and Filter architectural pattern?

Components share a central database and trigger each other when data changes

Each processing component (filter) is discrete and carries out one type of data transformation; data flows as in a pipe from one component to another for processing

Layers of functionality are stacked, with each layer calling only the layer directly beneath it

A master component delegates tasks to worker components in parallel

Correct Answer

Each processing component (filter) is discrete and carries out one type of data transformation; data flows as in a pipe from one component to another for processing

Explanation

In the Pipe and Filter pattern, the processing of data is organized so that each processing component (filter) is discrete and carries out one type of data transformation. The data flows (as in a pipe) from one component to another for processing. The name comes from the original Unix system where processes could be linked using 'pipes'.

Reference

Software Engineering, Ian Sommerville, 10th edition

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