README

-- RMU SESSION 2 | PROBLEM 2

If in doubt about how to submit, see SUBMISSION_GUIDELINES file.

For this exercise, we'll be working with design patterns originally 
described in the much-acclaimed "Gang of Four" book.  While this book is over 15
years old, many of the ideas within it are still relevant to modern object 
oriented design.  The tricky thing is that sometimes they are mis-applied, and
often they are described with rather anemic examples that don't quite show their
true power.

Our goal will be to come up with some good Ruby examples that demonstrate how a
given pattern can be applied in real code, while sticking to Ruby idioms.  Follow 
the guidelines below to complete the exercise.

== GUIDELINES

1. Spend some time reviewing some of the classic patterns, reading at least a
few of them before deciding to focus on any one of them.  There is a decent
resource at: http://sourcemaking.com/design_patterns and tons of information on
Wikipedia as well.  You can use any of the patterns that are listed at that URL,
except for Command pattern, since we covered that in the entrance exam.

2. When you find a pattern that sounds interesting to you, try to think of a
scenario in which you could apply it in real code.  If you can come up with one,
announce that you'll be working on this pattern on the mailing list, along with
the scenario you plan to explore. 

3. Write up some example code that demonstrates the pattern in action.  You do
not need to build a complete application, but the example you show should have
enough context to look and feel 'real', rather than being some contrived foo/bar
example.  Download the PDF of my book (http://rubybestpractices.com) if you want
some examples of how to present ideas using real or realistic code.

4. Even if you're not building a complete application, stub out enough things to
create a runnable simulation that demonstrates how your code would be used.
Bonus points of course would be given to those who build a real app that uses
the pattern in action.

5. Feel free to help each other as much as needed to come up with the best
possible examples.  You are encouraged to review each other's work and offer
suggestions.

== RESTRICTIONS:

* I don't want more than three students to cover the same problem, so be sure to keep
  an eye on who's working on what

* Not every pattern that exists is relevant to Ruby.  Try your best to
  choose one that is, and if you're not reasonably sure, ask your fellow 
  students and/or me to comment on your choice.

* Do not submit a Command pattern demonstration.

* Do not intentionally copy a scenario you've found online. It's not a problem
  if the example you pick happens to have been covered somewhere online before,
  but you should not just port some example from another language into Ruby, try
  to come up with your own use case.

== QUESTIONS?

Hit up the mailing list or IRC.