It might not be possible to capture a generic solution in code effectively, but it might be possible to describe an approach or some techniques that will address the problem. Patterns document design experience. They distill design knowledge and allow it to be reused. Visual Basic 5 client/server systems require that considerable thought be given to software and data architecture. You can understand the nature of some of the problems by using simulation and benchmarking, which can help you evaluate potential solutions. Design guidance can be documented. Solution frameworks can be built to encapsulate partial solutions.
Patterns for the solution and demonstration of layering, partitioning, deployment, locking, database access, error handling, application structure, and so on should be developed using Visual Basic 5. Such patterns will then form the foundation for successful future development. If a preexisting design fits the architecture of the solution, the move from requirement to implementation can happen very quickly, making it seem as if there is no design phase.
When software houses come up with seemingly unrealistic estimates for delivering systems and subsequently achieve them, they are often using preexisting designs. They judge carefully whether their client’s requirement fits the architecture of their solution. They work with a limited range of applications. They move from requirement to implementation quickly, beginning with a rapid design assessment to ensure that preexisting designs fit the requirements. Design patterns and application frameworks provide architectures for building applications. Much of the thinking has been done. Provided the new application is a close fit to the pattern or framework, rapid conversion of the requirements to code can be achieved with relatively little effort spent on design.
The application must be judged to fit the design. Careful thought must go into those parts of the application that fall outside the scope of the pattern or framework. But with a close fit, the design process can be shortened.