Proxy pattern

Definition

Use a simple object to represent a complex one or provide a placeholder for another object to control access to it.

Where to use & benefits

If creating an object is too expensive in time or memory.
Postpone the creation until you need the actual object.
Load a large image (time consuming).
Load a remote object over network during peak periods.
Access right is required to a complex system.

Related patterns include

Adapter pattern, which provides a different interface to the object it adapts, whereas a proxy provides the same interface as its subject, and
Decorator pattern, which focuses on adding new functions to an object, whereas a proxy controls access to the object.

Example

When loading a large image, you may create some light object to represent it until the image is loaded completely. Usually a proxy object has the same methods as the object it represents. Once the object is loaded, it passes on the actual object. For example,
abstract class Graphic {
    public abstract void load();
    public abstract void draw();
    ...
}
class Image extends Graphic{
    public void load() {
        ...
    }
    public void draw() {
    ...
    }
    ...
}
class ImgProxy extends Graphic {
    public void load() {
    if(image == null) {
           image = new Image(filename);
    }
    ...
   
    public void draw() {
     ...
    }
    ...
}