Data Access Object (DAO) pattern

The Data Access Object (DAO) pattern is a design approach used in software development to separate the way data is stored and retrieved from how it's used in the application. Think of it as a dedicated middleman that interacts with the database, handling all the details of data operations like fetching, adding, or updating information. This separation makes the system more organized, easier to maintain, and flexible to changes in how data is stored without affecting the overall application's logic. Essentially, DAO acts as a gatekeeper ensuring smooth data management behind the scenes.