Proxy, in the Java context, is defined as having the authority to represent another object. The proxy design pattern is true to its name in that it establishes a placeholder so that an object other than itself can control access. Pointer object references lack sophistication. Proxy references can accomplish the following with regards to an object reference:

• Utilize smart pointers that can count the number of references to a given object. This supports garbage collection.
• Object locking so it cannot be modified by other objects.
• Memory loading enhancements.

The primary justification for using the proxy design pattern is to save the tremendous memory and processing time that is required to create complex objects.