API for Unambiguous Object Representation in Relational Databases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software development tools (SDTs) do not facilitate direct access to objects stored in a database in a meaningful manner, requiring test tools to access objects via the software program and GUIs, which complicates the testing of software applications.
Innovation Solution
An API is provided that allows direct retrieval of objects from a configuration repository, translating metadata into an unambiguous representation using an XML format, enabling software programs to pre-populate their object repositories and synchronize with the application's configuration repository during development.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If test tools access objects via the software program and GUIs, then objects can be accessed, but the testing process becomes complicated and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary API layer between the configuration repository and test tools. This API serves as a mediator that provides standardized methods for accessing objects directly from the database without requiring test tools to navigate through the software program's GUIs, thereby simplifying the testing process while maintaining access to objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the object access functionality from the software program and GUIs and places it directly in the configuration repository via the API. This allows test tools to access objects directly from the database without needing to instantiate or navigate through the actual software application, separating the testing function from the application logic.
2Quantity of substance
If objects are stored in a database in normalized form, then data storage is efficient, but objects lose their meaning and context
Solution Approach 1:
The API acts as an intermediary that translates between the normalized database storage format and the meaningful object representations. It retrieves data from the normalized database tables and constructs objects with proper context, hierarchy, and properties, thereby preserving object meaning while maintaining efficient normalized storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a dimensional layer of abstraction between the database storage dimension and the object representation dimension. The database stores data in a normalized tabular format, while the API constructs objects with hierarchical relationships and contextual properties, creating an additional dimension of organization that preserves meaning.
3Reliability
If test tools must wait for a fully configured live application to access objects, then objects can be accessed with full context, but testing cannot begin until development is complete
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary action by allowing test tools to access objects directly from the configuration repository during the development process, before the application is fully configured or deployed. Test tools can retrieve object definitions, hierarchies, and relationships from the database as they are being created, enabling early testing and feedback without waiting for completion.
Data Source
AI summary
Various techniques for providing an application program interface (API) that facilitates the retrieval of information stored in a configuration repository directly from the configuration repository are provided. The API provides a direct channel of communication into the configuration repository through which a user can obtain an unambiguous representation of the objects in the configuration repository. When requested, the API retrieves an object or objects from the configuration repository, translates the retrieved result into an intermediate, well-defined representation that unambiguously represents the requested object or objects, and provides the requestor the unambiguous representation of the object or objects.