Feature Implementation Request

Context

You are working with a Python codebase for an XML Directory Processor. The project has a comprehensive test suite organized into critical, important, integration, and validation test categories. All existing functionality must remain intact and all tests must continue to pass.

Project Structure

/
├── docs/
│   ├── archive/
│   ├── decisions/
│   └── ideas/
│       ├── README.md
│       ├── TEMPLATE.md
│       └── {FEATURE_SPEC_FILE}
├── LICENSE
├── quick_test_runner.py
├── README.md
├── run_tests.py
├── tests/
│   ├── critical/
│   ├── important/
│   ├── integration/
│   └── validation/
└── xml_directory_processor.py

Current Codebase

[Attach the complete current xml_directory_processor.py file]

Feature Request

I want to implement the feature described in docs/ideas/{FEATURE_SPEC_FILE}.

Requirements

1. Backward Compatibility: All existing functionality must work exactly as before
2. Test Compatibility: All existing tests must pass without modification
3. Code Quality: Maintain the same coding standards and error handling patterns
4. Cross-Platform: Ensure Windows compatibility while maintaining cross-platform support
5. Risk Mitigation: Implement proper fallback mechanisms for any new functionality

Expected Response Format

If Code Changes Are Required:

Provide the complete, updated xml_directory_processor.py file with: - Clear comments marking what was changed and why - Proper error handling and fallback mechanisms - Maintained backward compatibility - All existing imports and functionality preserved

If No Code Changes Are Required:

Explain why no changes are needed and provide step-by-step instructions for: - Environment variable setup (if applicable) - Configuration file changes (if applicable)
- Command-line usage modifications (if applicable) - Any other setup requirements

In Both Cases, Also Provide:

1. Risk Assessment: What could go wrong and how it's mitigated
2. Testing Strategy: How to verify the feature works without breaking existing functionality
3. Rollback Plan: How to undo changes if issues arise
4. Usage Examples: Command-line examples showing the new feature in action

Success Criteria

• Feature works as specified in the documentation
• All existing tests pass (python quick_test_runner.py should show all green)
• No regression in existing functionality
• Proper error handling for edge cases
• Clear user feedback for any configuration requirements

Quality Standards

• Follow the existing code style and patterns
• Use the same error handling approach (logging + graceful degradation)
• Maintain the same level of documentation and comments
• Ensure Windows path handling remains robust
• Preserve all existing command-line arguments and their behavior

Implementation Note: Focus on minimal, surgical changes that add the new functionality without disrupting the existing, well-tested codebase. When in doubt, prefer configuration-based solutions over code modifications.