GildedRose-Refactoring-Kata/python/GildedRose_Design_Document.md

Gilded Rose Design

Pattern Used: Strategy Pattern

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The Problem

The original code is a mess of nested if-statements. Hard to read, hard to change.

The Solution

Give each item type its own class to handle updates:

• NormalUpdater - normal items degrade
• BrieUpdater - gets better with age
• BackstageUpdater - special concert rules
• SulfurasUpdater - never changes
• ConjuredUpdater - degrades 2x faster

Why This Works

1. Easy to add new items - just make a new updater class
2. Easy to read - each class does one thing
3. Easy to test - test each updater separately

Drawbacks

• More files to manage
• Factory needs updating for new items

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