The layers pattern splits a task into horizontal layers. Each layer has a specific responsibility and provides a service to a higher layer.

Layers

by Rainer Grimm

From the article:

The Layers Pattern is an architectural pattern that helps, according to the book "Pattern-Oriented Software Architecture, Volume 1", to bring structure into the mud.

Although not specified, most layered architectures consist of three or four layers. Each layer is independent of the other layer. In the pure version, a layer can only access its layer below. A layer can not access its upper layer because it would create additional dependencies and complicates the control structure. Additionally, another application cannot easily use a layer that depends on an upper layer. A layer often provides its functionality by implementing the Facade Pattern. The Facade Pattern provides a simplified interface to a complex system.