Application Development System

Abstract

To solve the problem in which in many cases, applications developed using application development support systems are developed by persons in charge who do not have specialized knowledge of application development, and it is not easy to ensure consistency between specifications and implementation.SOLUTION: An application development system 100 develops an application in two layers of a design unit 110 and an implementation unit 120. The design unit 110 creates design information 160 which is information necessary for the application to operate. The implementation unit 120 implements the application.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Regarding application development systems. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, application development support systems (no-code development systems, low-code development systems) that reduce the burden on application developers and enable development by people without IT expertise have been attracting attention. For example, the information processing device in Patent Document 1 (JP 2022-059478 A) creates a product application based on application software developed as a template.

[0003] Generally, when changing specifications in application development, the designer manually changes the specifications, and the implementer then changes the implementation accordingly. Also, if the implementation is changed in advance, the specifications are manually changed accordingly. Ensuring consistency between the specifications and implementation in this way improves the efficiency of operation and maintenance. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, applications developed using application development support systems are often developed by people who do not have specialized knowledge of application development, and it is not easy to ensure consistency between the specifications and the implementation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The application development system of the first aspect develops applications in two layers: a design section and an implementation section. The design section creates design information, which is information necessary for the application to run. The implementation section implements the application.

[0006] This application development system makes it easy to ensure consistency between specifications and implementation.

[0007] An application development system according to a second aspect is the application development system according to the first aspect, wherein the design unit has a first processing unit, a second processing unit, and a third processing unit. The first processing unit creates first information, which is information about tables used in the application. The second processing unit creates second information, which is information about the application screen. The third processing unit creates third information, which is information for creating the screen layout.

[0008] The application development system according to a third aspect is the application development system according to the second aspect, in which the first information includes a table name, an item name, a data type, and relationship information.

[0009] An application development system according to a fourth aspect is the application development system according to the second or third aspect, wherein the second information includes information relating to a screen name and a screen transition.

[0010] An application development system according to a fifth aspect is the application development system according to any one of the second aspect to the fourth aspect, wherein the third information includes a screen size, a frame configuration, a type of component, an arrangement, and attribute information.

[0011] An application development system according to a sixth aspect is the application development system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the implementation unit has a creation unit. The creation unit creates part of the implementation information based on the design information. The implementation information is information necessary for implementation.

[0012] In this application development system, the creation department creates part of the implementation information based on the design information, which makes it easy to ensure consistency between the specifications and the implementation.

[0013] An application development system according to a seventh aspect is the application development system according to the sixth aspect, wherein the implementation unit further includes a reflecting unit, which, after the implementation information is updated, reflects the contents of the update in the design information.

[0014] In this application development system, the reflecting unit reflects the updated contents of the implementation information in the design information, making it easy to ensure consistency between the specifications and the implementation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an application development system. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between design information and implementation information. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for creating design information. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for creating design information. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for creating design information. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for creating design information. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for creating design information. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for creating design information. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for creating design information. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for creating design information. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for creating design information. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for creating mounting information. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for creating mounting information. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for creating mounting information. [Figure 15]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for creating mounting information. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for reflecting mounting information in design information. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process for creating design information. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process for creating packaging information. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process for reflecting packaging information in design information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] An application development system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] (1) Overall structure The application development system 100 is an application development support system that supports the user in developing applications. The application development system 100 is configured with one or more computers. When the application development system 100 is configured with multiple computers, the multiple computers may be connected to each other via a network. In this specification, an application may be referred to as an app, but the meaning is the same.

[0018] The application development system 100 includes a control and arithmetic device and a storage device. The control and arithmetic device can be a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. The control and arithmetic device reads a program stored in the storage device and performs predetermined image processing and arithmetic processing in accordance with the program. Furthermore, the control and arithmetic device can write the results of calculations to the storage device and read information stored in the storage device in accordance with the program.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 1, the application development system 100 mainly includes a design unit 110, an implementation unit 120, a display unit 130, an input unit 140, and a storage unit 150. The design unit 110, specification management unit 111, basic processing unit 112, first processing unit 113, second processing unit 114, third processing unit 115, implementation unit 120, creation unit 121, fourth processing unit 122, fifth processing unit 123, and reflection unit 124 shown in Fig. 1 are various functional blocks realized by a control arithmetic device. These functional blocks appear when the control arithmetic device executes a program.

[0020] The display unit 130 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The display unit 130 displays display data output from the control arithmetic device. The display data may be a moving image or a still image.

[0021] The input unit 140 is, for example, a mouse and a keyboard. The input unit 140 may be a touch panel or the like. The input unit 140 accepts operations by the user and manual input of various information.

[0022] The storage unit 150 is a storage device that is mainly composed of a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, and a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit 150 stores programs that can be read and executed by the control arithmetic unit.

[0023] (2) Detailed configuration (2-1) Storage section The storage unit 150 stores design information 160 and implementation information 170. The design information 160 is information necessary for an application to operate. The implementation information 170 is information necessary for implementing an application. The design information 160 includes specification information 161, basic information 162, first information 163, second information 164, and third information 165. The implementation information 170 includes application information 171, fourth information 172, and fifth information 173. The design information 160 and the implementation information 170 may be stored in a server connected via an arbitrary network. In this case, the various functional blocks described above may acquire or update the design information 160 and the implementation information 170 via the arbitrary network.

[0024] The specification information 161 is information about specifications, including a specification identifier, specification number, specification name, classification, icon information, specification description, version information, and version comments. The specification identifier is an identifier that uniquely identifies the data of the specification information 161, and if the specification number is the same but the version is different, a different specification identifier is assigned. The basic information 162 is basic information about the application, including the application name, release date, and summary. The first information 163 is information about the table configuration, including the table name, item name, data type, and relationship information. The second information 164 is information about the screen, including the screen name and information about screen transitions. The third information 165 is information about the screen layout, including the screen size, frame configuration, component type, arrangement, and attribute information.

[0025] The application information 171 is information about an application, including a classification, a schema name, an application name, an application identifier, icon information, a description of the application, and a corresponding specification identifier. The application identifier is an identifier that uniquely identifies the data of the application information 171. The fourth information 172 is information that includes the same items as the first information 163, with the addition of detailed information such as a description of the table and notes for each item. The fifth information 173 is information that includes the same items as the second information 164 and the third information 165, with the addition of detailed information such as link information and display content information.

[0026] 2, the specification identifiers of the basic information 162, the first information 163, the second information 164, and the third information 165 are linked to the specification identifier of the specification information 161. Furthermore, the corresponding specification identifier of the application information 171 is linked to the specification identifier of the specification information 161. Furthermore, the application identifiers of the fourth information 172 and the fifth information 173 are linked to the application identifier of the application information 171.

[0027] (2-2) Design department 1, the design unit 110 includes a specification management unit 111, a basic processing unit 112, a first processing unit 113, a second processing unit 114, and a third processing unit 115. The design unit 110 creates design information 160, which is information necessary for an application to operate. The design unit 110 may display a warning when an invalid value is entered or when a required value is not entered.

[0028] (2-2-1) Specification Management Department The specification management unit 111 creates or updates specification information 161 of the application and stores it in the storage unit 150. The specification management unit 111 also displays a screen 1101 for displaying a list of specification names and a screen 1102 for creating or updating the specification information 161 on the display unit 130.

[0029] 2 is an example of a screen 1101 that displays a list of specification names. The screen 1101 is mainly composed of a menu section 1101a, a selection section 1101b, a button section 1101c, and a list section 1101d. The menu section 1101a displays "Home" and "Design" in a selectable manner. The selection section 1101b displays "Specification Management," "Classification Management," and "Version Information" in a selectable manner. The button section 1101c is configured to allow the selection of functions required for the screen 1101.

[0030] FIG. 3 shows a state in which "Home" is selected in the menu section 1101a and "Specification Management" is selected in the selection section 1101b.

[0031] The specification management unit 111 displays a list of specification names in the list section 1101d based on the specification information 161 stored in the storage unit 150. When multiple versions of specification information 161 with the same specification number are stored, the specification management unit 111 may display only the specification information 161 with the largest version value in the list section 1101d. When no specification information 161 is stored in the storage unit 150, the specification management unit 111 does not display anything in the list section 1101d.

[0032] In response to a user operation, the specification management unit 111 displays a screen 1102 for creating or updating specification information 161 on the display unit 130, as shown in FIG. 4. The user inputs values ​​via the input unit 140. When the user performs a new creation operation, only "Save as New" may be displayed as the save method 1102a, and "1" may be displayed as the version 1102b. When the user performs an edit operation, the specification management unit 111 may display a dialog for selecting a version to edit. The specification management unit 111 may display the screen 1102 after the user selects a version. In this case, "Overwrite" and "Version Upgrade" may be displayed as the save method 1102a. When the user selects "Overwrite," the value of the version selected by the user may be displayed as the version 1102b. When the user selects "Version Upgrade," the value obtained by adding 1 to the value of the largest version among the specification information 161 having the specification number selected by the user may be displayed as the version 1102b. The specification management unit 111 creates or updates the specification information 161 based on the input values, and stores it in the storage unit 150 together with the specification identifier.

[0033] 4, when the selected saving method 1102a is "new saving," the specification management unit 111 stores new specification information 161 in the storage unit 150 based on the input value. Also, when the selected saving method 1102a is "overwrite," the specification management unit 111 overwrites the specification information 161 of the selected version with the input value and stores it in the storage unit 150. Also, when the selected saving method 1102a is "version upgrade," the specification management unit 111 stores new specification information 161 in the storage unit 150 based on the input value.

[0034] (2-2-2) Basic processing section The basic processing unit 112 creates or updates basic information 162 of the application and stores it in the storage unit 150. The basic processing unit 112 also displays a screen 1103 for creating the basic information 162 on the display unit .

[0035] 5 is an example of a screen 1103 for creating basic information 162. Screen 1103 is mainly composed of a menu section 1103a, a function section 1103b, a selection section 1103c, and a content section 1103d. The display content of menu section 1103a is the same as the display content of menu section 1101a. Function section 1103b is configured to allow selection of functions required for screen 1103. Selection section 1103c displays "basic information," "first information," "second information," and "third information" in a selectable manner.

[0036] FIG. 5 shows a state in which "Design" is selected in the menu section 1103a and "Basic Information" is selected in the selection section 1103c.

[0037] The basic processing unit 112 displays values ​​in the content section 1103d based on the basic information 162 stored in the storage unit 150. If the basic information 162 is not stored in the storage unit 150, the basic processing unit 112 displays each item in the content section 1103d as blank. The user inputs values ​​via the input unit 140. For example, the input field for the summary 1103e may be configured to allow selection from a plurality of example sentences. The basic processing unit 112 creates or updates the basic information 162 based on the input values ​​and stores it in the storage unit 150.

[0038] (2-2-3) First processing section The first processing unit 113 creates or updates first information 163, which is information on a table used in the application, and stores it in the storage unit 150. Furthermore, the first processing unit 113 displays screens for creating the first information 163, including screens 1104 and 1105, on the display unit 130. When the first processing unit 113 displays the design information 160 in which the implementation information 170 has been reflected by the reflection unit 124 (described later), the first processing unit 113 grays out buttons, input fields, and the like for creating or editing the first information 163, so as not to accept input of the first information 163.

[0039] 6 is an example of a screen 1104 for creating or updating the table name, field name, and data type, which are the first information 163. The screen 1104 is mainly composed of a menu section 1104a, a function section 1104b, a first selection section 1104c, a second selection section 1104d, a list section 1104e, a third selection section 1104f, and a content section 1104g. The display contents of the menu section 1104a and the first selection section 1104c are the same as the display contents of the menu section 1101a and the selection section 1103c, respectively. The function section 1104b is configured to allow selection of functions required for the screen 1104. The second selection section 1104d displays "Table Definition" and "Relationship" as selectable options. The third selection section 1104f displays "Description," "Design," and "Data" as selectable options.

[0040] FIG. 6 shows a state in which "Design" is selected in the menu section 1104a, "First information" is selected in the first selection section 1104c, "Table definition" is selected in the second selection section 1104d, and "Design" is selected in the third selection section 1104f.

[0041] The first processing unit 113 displays a list of table names in the list section 1104e based on the table names of the first information 163 stored in the memory unit 150. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the employee table is selected in the list section 1104e. The first processing unit 113 displays the definition content of the table linked to the table name specified in the list section 1104e in the content section 1104g based on the item names and data types of the first information 163 stored in the memory unit 150. If the first information 163 is not stored in the memory unit 150, the first processing unit 113 displays each item in the list section 1104e and the content section 1104g as blank. The user inputs values ​​via the input unit 140. The first processing unit 113 creates or updates the first information 163 based on the input values ​​and stores it in the memory unit 150.

[0042] 7 is an example of a screen 1105 for creating or updating relationship information, which is the first information 163. The screen 1105 is mainly composed of a menu section 1105a, a function section 1105b, a first selection section 1105c, a second selection section 1105d, and a content section 1105e. The display contents of the menu section 1105a, the first selection section 1105c, and the second selection section 1105d are the same as the display contents of the menu section 1101a, the first selection section 1104c, and the second selection section 1104d, respectively. The function section 1105b is configured to allow the selection of functions required for the screen 1105.

[0043] FIG. 7 shows a state in which "Design" is selected in menu section 1105a, "First Information" is selected in first selection section 1105c, and "Relationship" is selected in second selection section 1105d.

[0044] The first processing unit 113 displays the table name and the item name in the content section 1105e based on the first information 163 stored in the storage unit 150. Furthermore, the first processing unit 113 displays a diagram showing the relationship information in the content section 1105e based on the first information 163 stored in the storage unit 150. If the first information 163 is not stored in the storage unit 150, the first processing unit 113 displays nothing in the content section 1105e. If the relationship information of the first information 163 is not stored in the storage unit 150, the first processing unit 113 displays only the table name and the item name in the content section 1105e. The content section 1105e in FIG. 7 shows a state in which relationship information is set between the department ID of the employee table and the department ID of the department table. Furthermore, the qualification table shows a state in which no relationship information is set. The user inputs the relationship information via the input unit 140. The first processing unit 113 creates or updates the first information 163 based on the input relationship information, and stores it in the storage unit 150.

[0045] The user can set relationship information by, for example, selecting the item name of the table for which a relationship is to be set by clicking with the mouse, and then dragging and dropping it onto the item name of the table to which the relationship is to be set. The tables used to create relationship information may include tables linked from external systems.

[0046] (2-2-4) Second processing section The second processing unit 114 creates or updates second information 164, which is information on the screen of the application, and stores it in the storage unit 150. Furthermore, the second processing unit 114 displays screens for creating the second information 164, including screens 1106 and 1107, on the display unit 130. When the second processing unit 114 displays the design information 160 in which the implementation information 170 has been reflected by the reflection unit 124 (described later), the second processing unit 114 grays out buttons, input fields, and the like for creating or editing the second information 164, so as not to accept input of the second information 164.

[0047] 8 is an example of a screen 1106 for creating or updating a screen name, which is second information 164. Screen 1106 is mainly composed of a menu section 1106a, a function section 1106b, a first selection section 1106c, a second selection section 1106d, and a list section 1106e. The display contents of menu section 1106a and first selection section 1106c are the same as the display contents of menu section 1101a and selection section 1103c, respectively. Function section 1106b is configured to allow selection of functions required for screen 1106. Second selection section 1106d displays a "screen list" and a "screen transition" so that they can be selected.

[0048] FIG. 8 shows a state in which "Design" is selected in the menu section 1106a, "Second Information" is selected in the first selection section 1106c, and "Screen List" is selected in the second selection section 1106d.

[0049] The second processing unit 114 displays a list of screen names in the list section 1106e based on the screen names of the second information 164 stored in the storage unit 150. If the screen names of the second information 164 are not stored in the storage unit 150, the second processing unit 114 does not display anything in the list section 1106e. The user inputs a value via the input unit 140. The second processing unit 114 creates or updates the second information 164 based on the input value and stores it in the storage unit 150.

[0050] 9 is an example of a screen 1107 for creating or updating information about screen transitions, which is second information 164. Here, the information about screen transitions includes information about the screen from which the transition originates, the screen to which the transition is made, and the default screen. Screen 1107 is mainly composed of a menu section 1107a, a function section 1107b, a first selection section 1107c, a second selection section 1107d, a content section 1107e, and a list section 1107f. The display contents of menu section 1107a, first selection section 1107c, and second selection section 1107d are the same as the display contents of menu section 1101a, selection section 1103c, and second selection section 1106d, respectively. Function section 1107b is configured to allow selection of functions required for screen 1107.

[0051] FIG. 9 shows a state in which "Design" is selected in menu section 1107a, "Second Information" is selected in first selection section 1107c, and "Screen Transition" is selected in second selection section 1107d.

[0052] The second processing unit 114 displays a screen transition diagram in the content section 1107e based on information about screen transitions in the second information 164 stored in the storage unit 150. If information about screen transitions in the second information 164 is not stored in the storage unit 150, the second processing unit 114 displays nothing in the content section 1107e. The second processing unit 114 displays names of screens that have not yet been arranged in a selectable list format in the list section 1107f. The content section 1107e in FIG. 9 shows a state in which transitions from the menu screen to screens A1 and B1 are possible, and transitions from screen A1 to screen A11 are possible. The user creates or updates information about screen transitions via the input unit 140. The second processing unit 114 creates or updates the second information 164 based on the created or updated information about screen transitions and stores it in the storage unit 150.

[0053] The user can select a screen name in the list section 1107f by clicking it with the mouse, and then drag and drop it into the content section 1107e, thereby displaying the screen name in the content section 1107e. Also, a screen transition diagram can be created by dragging and dropping a source screen and a destination screen.

[0054] (2-2-5) Third Processing Section The third processing unit 115 creates or updates third information 165, which is information for creating the layout of an application screen, and stores the third information 165 in the storage unit 150. The third processing unit 115 also displays screens for creating the third information 165, including screens 1108 and 1109, on the display unit 130. Here, the information for creating the screen layout includes, for example, the screen size, frame configuration, type of element, placement, attribute information, and background image. The type of element indicates the type of element that makes up the screen, such as a label, text field, text area, numeric field, date field, check box, radio button, or command button. The attribute information of the element includes settings such as the font of characters displayed in the element and the image size. The information for creating the screen layout is written in, for example, XAML (Extensible Application Markup Language). When the third processing unit 115 displays the design information 160 in which the implementation information 170 has been reflected by the reflection unit 124 described later, the third processing unit 115 grays out buttons, input fields, etc. for creating or editing the third information 165, so as not to accept input of the third information 165.

[0055] 10 is an example of a screen 1108 for creating or updating a frame configuration, which is third information 165. Screen 1108 is mainly composed of a menu section 1108a, a function section 1108b, a first selection section 1108c, a second selection section 1108d, a content section 1108e, and a list section 1108f. The display contents of menu section 1108a and first selection section 1108c are the same as the display contents of menu section 1101a and selection section 1103c, respectively. Function section 1108b is configured to allow selection of functions required for screen 1108. Second selection section 1108d displays screen names stored in storage section 150 in a selectable manner for each screen name. List section 1108f displays frame configurations in a selectable manner, such as in a list format.

[0056] FIG. 10 shows a state in which "Design" is selected in the menu section 1108a, "Third Information" is selected in the first selection section 1108c, and "Screen A1" is selected in the second selection section 1108d.

[0057] The third processing unit 115 displays a screen layout in the content section 1108e based on the third information 165 of the screen A1 stored in the storage unit 150. If the third information 165 of the screen A1 is not stored in the storage unit 150, the third processing unit 115 displays a blank screen layout in the content section 1108e. The user creates or updates a frame configuration via the input unit 140. For example, when the user selects a frame configuration in the list section 1108f via the input unit 140, the third processing unit 115 displays the frame configuration in the content section 1108e. The third processing unit 115 creates or updates the third information 165 based on the created or updated frame configuration and stores it in the storage unit 150.

[0058] 11 is an example of a screen 1109 for creating or updating the type and arrangement of components, which is third information 165. Screen 1109 is mainly composed of a menu section 1109a, a function section 1109b, a first selection section 1109c, a second selection section 1109d, a content section 1109e, and a list section 1109f. The display contents of menu section 1109a, first selection section 1109c, and second selection section 1109d are the same as the display contents of menu section 1101a, selection section 1103c, and second selection section 1108d, respectively. Function section 1109b is configured to allow selection of functions required for screen 1109. List section 1109f displays components in a selectable format, such as a list.

[0059] FIG. 11 shows a state in which "Design" is selected in the menu section 1109a, "Third Information" is selected in the first selection section 1109c, and "Screen A1" is selected in the second selection section 1109d.

[0060] The third processing unit 115 displays the screen layout in the content section 1109e based on the third information 165 of the screen A1 stored in the storage unit 150. If the third information 165 of the screen A1 is not stored in the storage unit 150, the third processing unit 115 displays a blank screen layout in the content section 1109e. The user creates or updates the screen layout via the input unit 140. The third processing unit 115 creates or updates the third information 165 based on the created or updated screen layout, and stores it in the storage unit 150.

[0061] The user can select a component in list section 1109f by clicking it with the mouse, and then arrange the component by dragging and dropping it onto the screen layout in content section 1109e. Third processing unit 115 displays the screen layout in which the component is arranged in content section 1109e in response to the user's operation. The user can select a component in content section 1109e by clicking it with the mouse, and then change the position or size of the component by dragging and dropping it. Furthermore, the user can select a component in content section 1109e by clicking it with the mouse, and then change attribute information such as the font and color of the text by selecting it from a list or pull-down menu.

[0062] (2-3) Mounting section 1, the implementation unit 120 includes a creation unit 121, a fourth processing unit 122, a fifth processing unit 123, and a reflection unit 124. The implementation unit 120 implements an application. The implementation unit 120 may display a warning when an invalid value is input or when a required value is not input.

[0063] (2-3-1) Creation Department The creation unit 121 creates or updates implementation information 170 of the application and stores it in the storage unit 150. The creation unit 121 also creates or updates a table based on the fourth information 172. Furthermore, the creation unit 121 displays a screen 1110 on the display unit 130 for displaying a list of application names.

[0064] 12 is an example of a screen 1110 that displays a list of application names. The screen 1110 is mainly composed of a menu section 1110a, a selection section 1110b, a button section 1110c, and a list section 1110d. The menu section 1110a displays selectable options such as "Home," "Table Design," and "Screen Design." The selection section 1110b displays selectable options such as "Application Management," "Table Management," and "Job Flow Management." The button section 1110c is configured to allow selection of functions required for the screen 1110.

[0065] FIG. 12 shows a state in which "Home" is selected in the menu section 1110a and "Application Management" is selected in the selection section 1110b.

[0066] Creation unit 121 displays a list of application names in list unit 1110d based on application information 171 stored in storage unit 150. If application information 171 is not stored in storage unit 150, creation unit 121 does not display anything in list unit 1110d.

[0067] In response to a user operation, the creation unit 121 displays a screen 1111 for creating app information 171 on the display unit 130, as shown in FIG. 13 . The screen 1111 is mainly composed of a selection unit 1111a and a setting unit 1111b. The selection unit 1111a is configured to be able to select specification information 161 stored in the storage unit 150. The setting unit 1111b is configured to be able to input part of the app information 171. The user selects the specification information 161 to be linked and inputs part of the app information 171 via the input unit 140.

[0068] In response to a user operation, the creation unit 121 acquires a specification identifier associated with the selected specification information 161 (hereinafter referred to as a selected specification identifier), and acquires first information 163, second information 164, and third information 165 associated with the selected specification identifier. If implementation information 170 exists for the specification information 161 associated with the selected specification identifier, the creation unit 121 displays a warning and does not create the implementation information 170. Furthermore, if the necessary design information 160 is not stored in the storage unit 150, the creation unit 121 may display a warning screen. The creation unit 121 creates an application identifier and stores it in the storage unit 150 as application information 171 together with the selected specification identifier and the input value of the setting unit 1111b. The creation unit 121 may store a flag in the design information 160 indicating whether the implementation information 170 has been created. The creation unit 121 stores the acquired first information 163 as fourth information 172 in the storage unit 150, and stores the acquired second information 164 and third information 165 as fifth information 173 in the storage unit 150. Regarding the information on screen transitions, which is the second information 164, the creation unit 121 may store only information on a default screen as fifth information 173 in the storage unit 150. Furthermore, the creation unit 121 checks the existence of a table in the schema based on the schema name of the app information 171 and the fourth information 172. If a table with the same name that is not permitted to be updated exists in the schema, the creation unit 121 does not create the table. If a table with the same name does not exist in the schema, or if a table with the same name that is permitted to be updated exists in the schema, the creation unit 121 creates or updates the table in the schema. Furthermore, the creation unit 121 creates or updates the relationship of the tables in the schema based on the fourth information 172. In other words, the creation unit 121 creates the implementation information 170 based on the design information 160.

[0069] (2-3-2) Fourth Processing Section The fourth processing unit 122 creates or updates fourth information 172, which is information on a table used in an application, and stores it in the storage unit 150. The fourth processing unit 122 also displays screens for creating the fourth information 172, including the screen 1112, on the display unit 130.

[0070] 14 is an example of a screen 1112 for creating or updating the table name, item name, data type, and remarks, which are the fourth information 172. The screen 1112 is mainly composed of a menu section 1112a, a function section 1112b, a list section 1112c, and a content section 1112d. The display content of the menu section 1112a is the same as the display content of the menu section 1110a. The function section 1112b is configured so that the functions required for the screen 1112 can be selected.

[0071] FIG. 14 shows a state in which "Table Design" is selected in the menu section 1112a.

[0072] The fourth processing unit 122 displays a list of table names in the list section 1112c based on the table names of the fourth information 172 stored in the storage unit 150. If the table name of the fourth information 172 is not stored in the storage unit 150, the fourth processing unit 122 displays nothing in the list section 1112c. The fourth processing unit 122 displays the definition content of the table linked to the table name specified in the list section 1112c in the content section 1112d based on the item names, data types, etc. of the fourth information 172 stored in the storage unit 150. If the item names, data types, etc. of the fourth information 172 are not stored in the storage unit 150, the fourth processing unit 122 displays each item in the content section 1112d as blank. The user inputs values ​​via the input unit 140. The fourth processing unit 122 creates or updates the fourth information 172 based on the input values ​​and stores it in the storage unit 150. Furthermore, the fourth processing unit 122 creates or updates the table configuration in the schema based on the created or updated fourth information 172.

[0073] The fourth processing unit 122 displays a screen (not shown) for creating or updating relationship information, which is fourth information 172, on the display unit 130. The fourth processing unit 122 displays the state of the relationship based on the fourth information 172 stored in the storage unit 150. The user inputs the relationship information via the input unit 140. The fourth processing unit 122 creates or updates the fourth information 172 based on the input relationship information, and stores it in the storage unit 150. The fourth processing unit 122 also creates or updates the relationships of the tables in the schema based on the created or updated fourth information 172.

[0074] The method of setting relationship information on a screen (not shown) for creating or updating relationship information may be the same as the method of setting relationship information on screen 1105.

[0075] (2-3-3) Fifth Processing Section The fifth processing unit 123 creates or updates fifth information 173, which is information for creating application screen information and a screen layout, and stores the information in the storage unit 150. The fifth processing unit 123 also displays a screen for creating the fifth information 173, including the screen 1113, on the display unit 130. The information for creating the screen layout is written in, for example, XAML (Extensible Application Markup Language).

[0076] 15 is an example of a screen 1113 for implementing an application screen. The screen 1113 is mainly composed of a menu section 1113a, a function section 1113b, a list section 1113c, and a content section 1113d. The display content of the menu section 1113a is the same as the display content of the menu section 1110a. The function section 1113b is configured so that functions required for the screen 1113 can be selected.

[0077] FIG. 15 shows a state in which "Screen Design" is selected in the menu section 1113a.

[0078] The fifth processing unit 123 displays a list of screen names in the list section 1113c based on the fifth information 173 stored in the storage unit 150. The fifth processing unit 123 displays a screen layout associated with the screen name specified in the list section 1113c in the content section 1113d based on the fifth information 173 stored in the storage unit 150. If the fifth information 173 is not stored in the storage unit 150, the fifth processing unit 123 displays a blank screen layout in the content section 1113d. The user creates or updates a screen layout via the input unit 140. The method for setting the screen layout for the screen 1113 may be the same as the method for setting the screen layouts for the screens 1108 and 1109. The attribute information of the component further includes operation settings such as events related to the component. Specifically, for example, the user can set link information for a command button arranged in the screen layout. Furthermore, for example, the user can set the content to be displayed in a component such as a text field arranged in the screen layout by specifying a table name and an item name. The fifth processing unit 123 creates or updates fifth information 173 based on the created or updated screen layout, and stores it in the storage unit 150.

[0079] (2-3-4) Reflection part The reflecting unit 124 reflects the implementation information 170 of the application in the design information 160.

[0080] 16, in response to a user operation, the reflection unit 124 displays a screen 1114 for updating the design information 160. The screen 1114 is mainly composed of an application selection unit 1114a and a specification selection unit 1114b. The reflection unit 124 displays application information 171 selected by the user in the application selection unit 1114a. The reflection unit 124 also displays specification information 161 associated with the corresponding specification identifier of the selected application information 171 in the specification selection unit 1114b.

[0081] In response to a user operation, the reflection unit 124 acquires an application identifier (hereinafter referred to as a selected application identifier) ​​associated with the selected application information 171, and acquires fourth information 172 and fifth information 173 associated with the selected application identifier. Furthermore, the reflection unit 124 acquires a corresponding specification identifier associated with the selected application information 171. The reflection unit 124 acquires specification information 161 associated with the corresponding specification identifier. Based on the acquired specification information 161, the reflection unit 124 creates new specification information 161 having a version value different from that of the acquired specification information 161, and stores the new specification information 161 in the storage unit 150. The specification information 161 with a different version value is, in other words, new specification information 161 having a different specification identifier. Furthermore, the reflection unit 124 creates new first information 163 based on the acquired fourth information 172, creates new second information 164 based on the acquired fifth information 173, and creates new third information 165 based on the acquired fifth information 173. In other words, the reflection unit 124 creates new design information 160 based on the implementation information 170 .

[0082] (3) Explain application development using an application development system The flow of application development using application development system 100 will be described using Figures 17 to 19. Note that the flowcharts shown in Figures 17 to 19 are merely examples and may be changed as appropriate within a consistent range. For example, other steps not shown may be included before or after each step, and the order of each step may be changed as appropriate within a consistent range.

[0083] (3-1) Creating design information The flow of creating new design information 160 using the application development system 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0084] When the user instructs the application development system 100 to launch a screen 1101 for displaying a list of specification names, the specification management unit 111 displays the screen 1101. Thereafter, when the user presses "Create New" in the button unit 1101c, the specification management unit 111 displays a screen 1102 for creating or updating specification information 161. When the user inputs values ​​in the input fields and instructs new saving, the specification management unit 111 stores the input values ​​as specification information 161 in the storage unit 150. This creates the application specification information 161 (step S11). The specification management unit 111 displays the created specification information 161 in the list unit 1101d.

[0085] When the user selects a specification name in the list section 1101d by clicking the mouse or the like and then presses "Design" in the button section 1101c, the basic processing section 112 displays a screen 1103 for creating basic information 162 related to the specification name (hereinafter referred to as the selected specification). The basic processing section 112 displays each item in the content section 1103d as blank.

[0086] When the user inputs values ​​into the input fields in the content section 1103d and instructs saving, the basic processing section 112 stores the input values ​​as basic information 162 in the storage section 150. This creates the basic information 162 of the application (step S12).

[0087] When the user presses "First information" in selection section 1103c, first processing section 113 displays screen 1104 for creating first information 163 related to the selected specifications. First processing section 113 displays each item in list section 1104e and content section 1104g of screen 1104 as blank.

[0088] When the user inputs a table name and table definition content on screen 1104 and instructs to save it, first processing unit 113 stores the input content as first information 163 in storage unit 150. As a result, the table name and table definition content, which are first information 163 of the application, are created (step S13).

[0089] When the user presses "relationship" in the second selection section 1104d, the first processing section 113 displays a screen 1105 for creating relationship information related to the selected specifications. The first processing section 113 displays the table name and the item name in the content section 1105e.

[0090] When the user inputs relationship information in content section 1105e and instructs to save it, first processing section 113 stores the input content in storage section 150 as first information 163. This creates relationship information of the table, which is first information 163 of the application (step S14).

[0091] When the user presses "Second information" in the first selection section 1105c, the second processing section 114 displays a screen 1106 for creating second information 164 regarding the selected specifications. The second processing section 114 does not display anything in the list section 1106e.

[0092] When the user inputs a screen name or the like on screen 1106 and instructs saving, second processing unit 114 stores the input value as second information 164 in storage unit 150. This creates a screen name, which is second information 164 of the application (step S15). Second processing unit 114 displays the created second information 164 in list unit 1106e.

[0093] When the user presses "Screen Transition" in second selection section 1106d, second processing section 114 displays screen 1107 relating to the selected specifications. Second processing section 114 displays the screen name stored as second information 164 in list section 1107f, and displays nothing in content section 1107e.

[0094] When the user inputs information about screen transitions on screen 1107 and instructs to save it, second processing unit 114 stores the input content in storage unit 150 as second information 164. As a result, information about screen transitions, which is second information 164 of the application, is created (step S16).

[0095] When the user presses "Third Information" in the first selection section 1107c, the third processing section 115 displays a screen 1108 for creating third information 165 related to the selected specifications. The third processing section 115 displays a blank screen layout in the content section 1108e.

[0096] When the user presses "Screen Size" from the function unit 1108b, the third processing unit 115 displays a screen (not shown) for selecting a screen size. When the user inputs the screen size and frame configuration and instructs to save them, the third processing unit 115 stores the input contents in the storage unit 150 as the third information 165. As a result, the frame configuration and screen size, which are the third information 165 of the application, are created.

[0097] When the user presses "Component" in function section 1108b, third processing section 115 displays screen 1109 regarding the selected specifications. Third processing section 115 displays the frame configuration stored as third information 165 in content section 1109e, and displays selectable components in list section 1109f.

[0098] When the user creates a screen layout by selecting and arranging components on screen 1109 and instructs to save it, third processing unit 115 stores the input content in storage unit 150 as third information 165. This creates information for creating a screen layout, which is third information 165 of the application (step S17).

[0099] (3-2) Creating implementation information The flow of creating new implementation information 170 using the application development system 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0100] When the user instructs the application development system 100 to launch a screen 1110 for displaying a list of application names, the creation unit 121 displays the screen 1110.

[0101] When the user presses "Link" in button section 1110c, creation section 121 displays screen 1111 for creating application information 171. The user selects specification information 161 to link in selection section 1111a, enters part of the application information 171 in setting section 1111b, and then instructs import (step S21). If implementation information 170 exists for specification information 161 selected by the user, creation section 121 displays a warning and does not create implementation information 170.

[0102] The creation unit 121 creates application information 171, fourth information 172, and fifth information 173 based on specification information 161 selected by the user and the input values ​​in setting unit 1111b, and stores them in storage unit 150. Furthermore, the creation unit 121 checks the existence of a table in the schema based on the schema name of application information 171 and fourth information 172, and then creates or updates the table in the schema. As a result, implementation information 170 is created (step S22). The creation unit 121 displays the created application information 171 in list unit 1110d.

[0103] When the user selects an application name in the list section 1110d by clicking the mouse or the like and then presses "Table Design" in the menu section 1110a, the fourth processing section 122 displays a screen 1112 for creating or updating fourth information 172 related to the application name (hereinafter referred to as the selected application). On the screen 1112, the fourth processing section 122 displays the fourth information 172 stored in the storage section 150.

[0104] When the user inputs a table name and table definition content in the list section 1112c and the content section 1112d and instructs saving, the fourth processing unit 122 stores the input values ​​as fourth information 172 in the storage unit 150. This creates the table name and table definition content, which are the fourth information 172 of the application. Furthermore, the fourth processing unit 122 creates or updates the table configuration in the schema based on the input fourth information 172 (step S23).

[0105] When the user issues an instruction to display relationship information from the function unit 1112b, the fourth processing unit 122 displays a screen (not shown) for creating or updating relationship information related to the selected application.

[0106] When the user inputs relationship information and instructs saving, the fourth processing unit 122 stores the input content in the storage unit 150 as fourth information 172. This creates table relationship information, which is the fourth information 172 of the application. Furthermore, the fourth processing unit 122 creates or updates the relationship of the tables in the schema based on the input fourth information 172 (step S24).

[0107] When the user presses "Screen Design" in the menu section 1112a, the fifth processing section 123 displays a screen 1113 for creating fifth information 173 related to the selected application. The fifth processing section 123 displays the fifth information 173 stored in the storage section 150 in a list section 1113c and a content section 1113d.

[0108] When the user creates a screen name and a screen layout on the screen 1113 and instructs to save them, the fifth processing unit 123 stores the input contents in the storage unit 150 as the fifth information 173. As a result, the screen name and the screen layout, which are the fifth information 173 of the application, are created (steps S25 and S26).

[0109] (3-3) Reflecting implementation information The flow of reflecting the implementation information 170 in the design information 160 using the application development system 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0110] When the user instructs the application development system 100 to launch a screen 1110 for displaying a list of application names, the reflection unit 124 displays the screen 1110.

[0111] When the user selects the application name in the list section 1110d by clicking with the mouse, etc., and then presses the "Link" button in the button section 1110c, the reflection section 124 displays a screen 1114 for updating the design information 160 of the selected application (step S31).

[0112] When the user gives an instruction to reflect, the reflection unit 124 creates new specification information 161, first information 163, second information 164, and third information 165 based on the application information 171 of the application selection unit 1114a and the specification information 161 of the specification selection unit 1114b, and stores them in the memory unit 150 (step S32).

[0113] (4) Features When changing specifications in general application development, the designer manually changes the specifications, and the implementer then changes the implementation accordingly. Also, if the implementation is changed first, the specification is manually changed accordingly.

[0114] However, application development using application development support systems, which have been attracting attention in recent years, is often carried out by people who do not have specialized knowledge of application development, making it difficult to ensure consistency between the specifications and the implementation.

[0115] (4-1) The application development system 100 of this embodiment develops applications in two layers: a design unit 110 and an implementation unit 120. The design unit 110 creates design information 160, which is information necessary for the application to run. The implementation unit 120 implements the application. This configuration makes it easy to ensure consistency between the specifications and the implementation.

[0116] (4-2) In the application development system 100 of this embodiment, the design unit 110 has a first processing unit 113, a second processing unit 114, and a third processing unit 115. The first processing unit 113 creates first information 163, which is information about tables used in the application. The second processing unit 114 creates second information 164, which is information about the application screen. The third processing unit 115 creates third information 165, which is information for creating the screen layout.

[0117] (4-3) In the application development system 100 of this embodiment, the first information 163 includes a table name, an item name, a data type, and relationship information. With this configuration, the design unit 110 can create information for creating a table used in an application.

[0118] (4-4) In the application development system 100 of this embodiment, the second information 164 includes information about the screen name and screen transition. With this configuration, the design unit 110 can create information about the screens used in the application.

[0119] (4-5) In the application development system 100 of this embodiment, the third information 165 includes screen size, frame configuration, type and arrangement of component elements, and attribute information. With this configuration, the design unit 110 can create information for creating the layout of a screen used in an application.

[0120] (4-6) In the application development system 100 of this embodiment, the implementation unit 120 includes a creation unit 121. The creation unit 121 creates part of the implementation information 170, which is information necessary for implementation, based on the design information 160. Since the design information 160 includes information about tables and screens necessary for implementation, the creation unit 121 can create part of the implementation information 170 based on the design information 160. This configuration makes it easy to ensure consistency between the specifications and the implementation.

[0121] (4-7) In the application development system 100 of this embodiment, the implementation unit 120 includes a reflection unit 124. After the implementation information 170 is updated, the reflection unit 124 reflects the updated content in the design information 160. Because the implementation information 170 is created based on the design information 160, the reflection unit 124 can reflect the implementation information 170 in the design information 160. This configuration makes it easy to ensure consistency between the specifications and the implementation.

[0122] (4-8) In the application development system 100 of this embodiment, when the reflecting unit 124 reflects the implementation information 170 into the design information 160, new specification information 161, first information 163, second information 164, and third information 165 with different specification identifiers are created and stored in the storage unit 150. This configuration makes it possible to store the change history of the design information 160.

[0123] (4-9) In the application development system 100 of this embodiment, if implementation information 170 exists for the selected specification information 161, the creation unit 121 displays a warning and does not create the implementation information 170. This configuration makes it possible to prevent multiple pieces of implementation information 170 from being created based on one piece of design information 160. As a result, it becomes easier to ensure consistency between the specification and the implementation.

[0124] (4-10) In the application development system 100 of this embodiment, when the reflecting unit 124 displays the design information 160 in which the implementation information 170 is reflected, the first processing unit 113 grays out buttons, input fields, etc. for creating or editing the first information 163, and does not accept input for the first information 163. The second processing unit 114 grays out buttons, input fields, etc. for creating or editing the second information 164, and does not accept input for the second information 164. The third processing unit 115 grays out buttons, input fields, etc. for creating or editing the third information 165, and does not accept input for the third information 165. This configuration makes it possible to limit updates to the design information 160 in which the implementation information 170 is reflected. As a result, it is easy to ensure consistency between the specification and the implementation.

[0125] (5) Variations (5-1) Variation A In this embodiment, the basic information 162 is created, but the creation of the basic information 162 may be omitted.

[0126] (5-2) Variation B In this embodiment, a table name and table definition content are created as the first information 163, but the table to be created may have only an ID (identification information) column. In that case, the creation unit 121 may create or update a table within the schema.

[0127] (5-3) Variation C In this embodiment, information relating to screen transitions is created as the second information 164, but creation of information relating to screen transitions may be omitted.

[0128] (5-4) Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 100 Application Development Systems 110 Design Department 113 First Processing Section 114 Second Processing Section 115 Third Processing Section 120 Mounting section 121 Creation Department 124 Reflection section 160 Design information 163 1st information 164 Second information 165 Third information 170 Implementation Information [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0130] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-059478

Claims

1. An application development system (100) for supporting application development, The application is developed in two layers: a design section (110) that creates design information (160) that is information necessary for the application to operate, and an implementation section (120) that implements the application; The design unit has a first processing unit (113) for creating first information (163) which is information on a table used in the application, the first information includes a table name, an item name, a data type, and relationship information; The mounting unit has a creation unit (121) that creates a part of mounting information (170), which is information necessary for mounting, based on the design information, the creation unit creates table relationships based on the implementation information. Application development system.

2. The design unit a second processing unit (114) for creating second information (164) which is information on the screen of the application; a third processing unit (115) for creating third information (165) which is information for creating a layout of the screen; having The application development system of claim 1 .

3. The second information includes a screen name and information related to a screen transition. The application development system according to claim 2 .

4. the third information includes a screen size, a frame configuration, a type of component, an arrangement, and attribute information; 4. The application development system according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The implementation unit further includes a reflection unit (124) that reflects the updated content of the implementation information in the design information after the implementation information is updated. The application development system of claim 1 .

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