Wasey's Submission - Gilded Rose Refactoring Design

python/GildedRose_Design_Document.md

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+# Gilded Rose Design
+
+**Pattern Used:** Strategy Pattern
+
+---
+
+## 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
+
+---
+
+![UML Diagram](gilded_rose_uml.png)