Browser-based development tools and methods for developing the same

Abstract

A browser-based development tool is presented. The tool comprises an interactive user interface running in a browser resident on a client. The tool is programmed to enable a user to select a source of data from a server in communication with the client using the user interface and retrieve a limited data set from the selected data source. The data content of the limited data set is limited to that which is needed to populate a series of independent cells visible in a browser field. The tool is further programmed to display the retrieved data in the series of independent cells visible in the browser field and seamlessly scroll through the data displayed in the series of independent cells as requested by the user. Additionally, a browser-based application can be developed locally on the client using the tool, saved on the server and deployed to others through the server.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]The present disclosure generally relates to a database tool and / or an application development tool and, in particular, relates to a system and method for delivering a database tool and / or an application development tool with a rich, highly interactive interface running in a browser.BRIEF SUMMARY[0002]A client / server software model typically describes the relationship between two computer programs in which one program, the client, makes a service request from another program, the server, which fulfills the request. Although the client / server model can be used by programs within a single computer, it typically communicates over a computer network. Using a computer network, the client / server model provides a convenient way to efficiently interconnect programs that are distributed across many different locations. Most Internet applications, such as email, web access and database access, are based on the client / server model. For example, a web browser is a typical client ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]The present disclosure presented here can provide an improved user interface for the manipulation of database information, such as, for example, querying, editing, managing, and analyzing the database information, as well as a new method for building database-driven or other types of browser applications, such as Web sites, intranets, or extranets. The user interface itself for one embodiment of this disclosure can be a browser interface that can be deployed immediately to many users, such as programmers, database administrators, or business users.

[0010]The interface can enable users to manage massive amounts of data in one browser view, with capabilities to search, sort, graph, and edit data. In addition, the interface can allow users to design browser applications or browser application components, such as data listings and data forms. Currently, no other software or tools exist that allow computer users to manage massive amounts of data in one view within a browser interface. Furthermore, no other tools exist that allow developers or end-users to interactively manipulate the interface presented to them in a browser, and then export or publish it for use in a browser application.

[0011]In accordance with one embodiment, a browser-based development tool is presented. The tool comprises an interactive user interface running in a browser resident on a client. The tool is programmed to enable a user to select a source of data from a server in communication with the client using the user interface and retrieve a limited data set from the selected data source. The data content of the limited data set is limited to that which is needed to populate a series of independent cells visible in a browser field. The tool is further programmed to display the retrieved data in the series of independent cells visible in the browser field and to allow for seamlessly scrolling through the data displayed in the series of independent cells as requested by the user.

Problems solved by technology

Its main drawback can be its limited ability to present highly interactive user interfaces.

While such languages can allow computer applications to present database information to end-users, these capabilities can be limited compared to desktop software.

However, the browser's construct can provide no capabilities to allow users to interactively resize columns or drag columns from one position to another by using an input device such as a mouse, for example.

Likewise, the browser's construct cannot handle massive amounts of rows (e.g. hundreds of thousands or millions of records).

Consequently, no browser-based database querying or editing tools exist today that allow for high interactivity, such as working with massive amounts of records in one scrollable view.

Additionally, no browser-based application development tool exists with a highly interactive visual interface.

However, desktop software can have major drawbacks.

This process may be costly.

Secondly, it may not be easy to deploy desktop software to remote users.

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