What are different characteristics of design patterns?

A design pattern is a general repeatable solution to a commonly occurring problem in software design.
- It is a proven solution to problems that keep recurring.
- They are reusable solutions to common problems.
- Design patterns are not frameworks.
- Design patterns are more abstract than frameworks.
- Design pattern cannot be directly implemented.
- Design patterns are more primitive than a framework.
- A design pattern cannot incorporate a framework.
- Patterns may be documented using one of several alternative templates.
- Design patterns can speed up the development process by providing tested, proven development paradigms.
- Reusing design patterns helps to prevent subtle issues that can cause major problems and improves code readability for coders and architects familiar with the patterns.
- Patterns allow developers to communicate using well-known, well understood names for software interactions.

A pattern description includes the following elements:
- name of the pattern should be meaningful.
- context of the pattern represents the circumstances or preconditions.
- Problem description that pattern addresses should be provided.
- Solution is a description of the static and dynamic relationships amongthe components of the pattern.
The use of design patterns requires careful analysis of the problem that is to be
addressed and the context in which it occurs.