Updating Readme

[AdriaRios]

Summary

The refactoring technical challenge has been extended and adapted to account for candidates using AI-assisted tools like Cursor during development.

Changes Made

Scope Extension

• Added new business requirements that require more complex architectural decisions:
  • Multi-source synchronization (multiple vendors)
  • Advanced error handling (retry, circuit breaker, dead letter queue)
  • Slot conflict detection
  • Data validation and business rules
  • Performance and scalability considerations
  • Observability and monitoring

AI Adaptation

• Explicitly mentions the use of tools like Cursor, GitHub Copilot, etc.
• Establishes clear expectations on how AI usage will be evaluated:
  • Candidates must understand and review all generated code
  • Architectural decisions must be their own
  • Values the ability to guide and improve AI suggestions

Phase Structure

• Phase 1: Base refactoring (required)
• Phase 2: New business requirements (6 sub-tasks required)
• Phase 3: Documentation (required)
• Phase 4: Optional enhancements (bonus)

Documentation Improvements

• Added more detailed business context
• Included installation guides and project structure
• Specified expanded evaluation criteria
• Added tips and best practices

Rationale

With the use of AI tools, candidates can be more productive and tackle more complex problems in the same timeframe. This extension allows:

1. Evaluate real architectural skills: Beyond writing code, it evaluates the ability to make design decisions
2. Verify real understanding: Even if they use AI, candidates must understand and justify their decisions
3. Simulate real work: Better reflects how senior developers work today
4. Maintain challenge level: The exercise remains challenging despite available tools

Notes

• Removed references to "extended version" so candidates don't know there was a previous version
• The exercise is now more comprehensive but still achievable with additional time and AI tools
• Maintains focus on quality over quantity