The Repository Pattern is an abstraction of data access that functions as a collection to provide in-memory data operations. It's particularly useful for implementing changes on multiple objects, like within databases. The Active Record Pattern, on the other hand, will use an object-relational mapping system for storing data in tables, using ORM-specific models for querying and persisting the data. At their core, both patterns are designed to provide access to related pieces of information from databases without requiring code changes when the database structure is modified; however, they do so in distinct ways. For example, the Repository Pattern makes no assumption about properties of classes or class relationships while the Active Record Pattern relies on object-oriented principles such as static typing and inheritance that make assumptions about classes and their relationships that must be met for it to work correctly.