Adding README.md file

acyclic-visitor/README.md

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+---
+layout: pattern
+title: Acyclic Visitor
+folder: acyclic-visitor
+permalink: /patterns/acyclic-visitor/
+categories: Behavioral
+tags:
+ - Java
+ - Difficulty-Intermediate
+---
+
+![alt text](./etc/acyclic-visitor.png "Acyclic Visitor")
+
+## Intent
+Allow new functions to be added to existing class hierarchies without affecting those hierarchies, and without creating the troublesome dependency cycles that are inherent to the GOF VISITOR Pattern.
+
+## Applicability
+This pattern can be used:
+* When you need to add a new function to an existing hierarchy without the need to alter or affect that hierarchy.
+* When there are functions that operate upon a hierarchy, but which do not belong in the hierarchy itself. e.g. the ConfigureForDOS / ConfigureForUnix / ConfigureForX issue.
+* When you need to perform very different operations on an object depending upon its type.
+* When the visited class hierarchy will be frequently extended with new derivatives of the Element class.
+* When the recompilation, relinking, retesting or redistribution of the derivatives of Element is very expensive.
+
+## Related patterns
+* [Visitor Pattern](../visitor/README.md)
+
+## Credits
+* [Acyclic Visitor](http://condor.depaul.edu/dmumaugh/OOT/Design-Principles/acv.pdf)