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Coat Pattern Value Object

The CoatPattern value object represents the distinctive coloration and markings of a cat's fur. This immutable object is used for identification and description purposes throughout the system.

Core Properties​

  • Base Color: Primary coat color (e.g., black, white, orange)
  • Pattern: Type of coat pattern (e.g., solid, tabby, tortoiseshell)
  • Markings: Distinctive features like spots, stripes, or patches
  • Colors: Secondary colors present in the coat

Use Cases​

The CoatPattern value object is used to:

  • Describe cats consistently across the system
  • Aid in visual identification
  • Standardize terminology for coat descriptions
  • Enable matching of cats based on appearance

Implementation​

Coat Pattern Value Object

File: domain/value_objects/coat_pattern.pseudo

// Coat Pattern Value Object

class CoatPattern {
  // Properties
  string baseColor    // Primary coat color
  string pattern      // e.g., "solid", "tabby", "tortoiseshell", "calico", "bicolor"
  string[] markings   // Distinctive markings like spots, stripes
  string[] colors     // Secondary colors present in coat
  
  // Constructors
  constructor(string baseColor, string pattern)
  constructor(string baseColor, string pattern, string[] markings, string[] colors)
  
  // Methods
  function isMatching(CoatPattern other) : boolean
  function getDescription() : string
  function addMarking(string marking) : CoatPattern
  function addColor(string color) : CoatPattern
  
  // Factory Methods
  static function createSolid(string color) : CoatPattern
  static function createTabby(string baseColor) : CoatPattern
  static function createTortoiseshell() : CoatPattern
  static function createCalico() : CoatPattern
  static function createBicolor(string mainColor, string secondaryColor) : CoatPattern
  
  // Classification Methods
  function isPredominantly(string color) : boolean
  function hasPattern(string patternType) : boolean
  function hasMarking(string marking) : boolean
  
  // Validation
  function isValid() : boolean
}

Immutability and Usage​

As a value object, CoatPattern is immutable. Operations like addMarking() and addColor() create and return new instances rather than modifying the existing one. This ensures consistency and prevents unexpected changes.

Factory Methods​

The class provides convenient factory methods for common coat patterns:

  • createSolid() - For single-colored cats (e.g., all black)
  • createTabby() - For cats with tabby patterns
  • createTortoiseshell() - For tortoiseshell patterns
  • createCalico() - For calico patterns
  • createBicolor() - For cats with two distinct colors

Real-World Examples​

From the Lime Factory colony data:

  • Dusty: Solid black coat
  • Broncho: Calico pattern with black, white, and orange coloring
  • Spot: Solid black coat with a distinctive white spot on chest
  • Nacho: Orange tabby pattern