API Configuration via GUI Parameter Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) traditionally requires extensive custom coding and debugging, which is time-consuming and costly, diverting resources away from overall software design and methodology.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a graphical user interface (GUI) to allow users to configure APIs by selecting interface elements, receiving user inputs, and generating code through a repository of code extensions, reducing the need for specialized programming knowledge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional custom coding methods are used to configure APIs, then programming flexibility and control are improved, but time consumption and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service API configuration through automated code generation. The API builder automatically generates functional code based on user-defined parameters and selections, eliminating the need for manual coding. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction by making API configuration accessible to non-programmers while maintaining programming flexibility through the generated code.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the API builder system) between the user and the code generation process. This intermediary translates high-level user requirements and parameter selections into functional code automatically. The intermediary resolves the contradiction by bridging the gap between ease of use and programming control, allowing users to configure APIs without writing code while still achieving the desired functionality.
2Ease of operation
If traditional custom coding methods are used to configure APIs, then programming control is improved, but resource allocation to design and methodology deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The automated code generation system performs the coding task autonomously based on user inputs, freeing human resources from routine coding activities. This self-service capability allows non-programmers to configure APIs independently, improving accessibility while simultaneously increasing overall productivity by eliminating the time and resources previously dedicated to manual coding and debugging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual coding with an automated system that generates code algorithmically. This substitution eliminates the need for human programmers to write and debug code for standard API configurations, making programming control accessible through parameter selection rather than code writing, thereby improving both accessibility and overall development productivity.
3Productivity
If automated code generation is implemented, then configuration time is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The API builder system is segmented into distinct functional modules: parameter definition, code generation, and configuration management. This segmentation allows the complex task of automated code generation to be broken down into manageable components, each handling specific aspects of API configuration. The modular architecture reduces the perceived system complexity while maintaining high configuration speed through efficient automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal API builder system that can generate code for multiple API types and configurations through a single interface. This multi-functional system handles diverse API requirements using standardized processes, reducing the need for separate tools for each scenario. The universal approach simplifies the system architecture compared to having multiple specialized tools, while maintaining fast configuration speeds across different use cases.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of configuring an Application Programming Interface (API) based on inputs which received through interface elements presented within a graphical user interface (GUI). The system to configure an API performs operations that include: causing display of a GUI that comprises a presentation of a plurality of interface elements; receiving a selection of an interface element from among the plurality of interface elements; presenting a menu element in response to the selection of the interface element; receiving a user input via the menu element; and configuring an API based on the user input received via the menu element, wherein the user input may define one or more parameters of the API.