What does the "factory method" design pattern allow subclasses to do?

The factory method design pattern is specifically designed to allow subclasses to alter the types of objects that will be created. This pattern provides an interface for creating objects but allows subclasses to override the method to specify the exact types of objects that will be instantiated. By implementing this pattern, a class does not have to be tightly coupled to the specific classes it instantiates. Instead, it delegates the responsibility to subclasses, enabling them to decide which class to instantiate based on their own logic or requirements.

This flexibility is particularly useful in scenarios where a system must be able to evolve or when different types of objects need to be created based on varying conditions, user inputs, or configurations. Thus, the factory method pattern enhances code maintainability and scalability by encouraging a more decoupled design, allowing the codebase to adapt easily when new types of objects are added.