When are design patterns the problem instead of the solution? [closed]

Answer 1

Programming languages, like spoken ones, provide you with the vocabulary to say whatever you want. Patterns only describe a way to say things that allows people to know what you're talking about at a higher level.

If you'll indulge me in a metaphor: Writing music is a common 'problem' and music is often (obviously not always) loosely composed as some kind of variation on the following:

verse chorus verse chorus verse chorus chorus

Which, indeed is a 'pattern'. You still need to write the song though and not every song written will work well using this pattern.

The point I'm trying to get at is that patterns aren't a plug-play-done solution for programming, or music. They're a guideline to get you started and a springboard from which you can make something that suits your need.