Workflow data binding

Abstract

A workflow data binding system facilitates binding of a data component to a feature of a software component. Prior to the binding, a graphical indication of the software component and a graphical indication of the feature of the software component are displayed. In addition, an indication of an element of the data component is displayed in a display area approximately adjacent to the displayed software component. The workflow data binding system receives a user input command to bind the data component to the feature of the software component. The user input command may include dragging the indication of an element of the data component from the data component display area to the feature of the software component and subsequently dropping it on the feature. As a result, the workflow data binding system automatically generates script or code that provides executable instructions to bind the feature of the software component to the data component.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) [0001] This patent application claims the benefit of commonly owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 800,056, filed on May 12, 2006, entitled “Data Binding For Workflow,” which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. This patent application also incorporates by reference the following commonly owned patent applications: U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 532,776, filed Dec. 24, 2003, Canadian Patent Application No. 2,443,454, entitled “Data Binding Method in Workflow System,” filed Sep. 11, 2003, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 938,118, entitled “User-Friendly Data Binding, Such As Drag-And-Drop Data Binding In A Workflow Application,” filed on Sep. 10, 2004.BACKGROUND [0002] In the context of applications software development, the practice of data binding addresses the common need for an application to access data stored in an independent data source. Generally, data binding involves retrievi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent text describes a system for data binding in software development, which allows developers to easily access and use external data sources in their applications. The system uses a data binding technique called drag-and-drop, which simplifies the process of connecting data sources to forms or web controls. The text also mentions the use of specially configured application programming interfaces and tools to improve data binding. The technical effects of the system include improved data binding control and integrity, as well as more efficient application development."

Problems solved by technology

However, traditional data binding techniques have proven awkward and difficult for programmers to control and implement.

Despite these improvements, data binding still proves to be a bottleneck for more rapid application development, especially for beginner programmers who are not comfortable writing the script or code needed to implement data binding.

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