Atomic Startup Steps with Undo Fragments
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a computer cluster environment, failed startup attempts on one computer leave traces that can interfere with successful startups on another computer, making it difficult to manage and undo the startup procedure effectively.
Innovation Solution
Divide the application package startup procedure into atomic steps, each comprising a start fragment and a stop fragment, allowing for controlled, step-wise execution and undoing of the startup process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the startup procedure is implemented as a large continuous script, then the startup process can be completed, but creating a stop script to handle all errors becomes difficult and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the continuous startup script into discrete atomic steps, where each step is a self-contained unit that can be independently executed and undone. This segmentation allows the stop script to simply reverse the last executed step without needing to understand or handle all possible errors in the entire startup process, dramatically reducing stop script complexity while maintaining reliable error handling.
2Productivity
If the startup procedure fails on one computer, then traces of the failed attempt remain on that computer, but these traces interfere with successful startups on other computers in the cluster
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary cleanup actions as part of each atomic step's undo operation. Before attempting to start an application on a new computer, the system automatically executes cleanup routines that remove any residual traces from previous failed attempts on that computer. This preliminary action ensures the target computer is in a clean state, preventing trace interference and enabling successful startup attempts.
3Ease of manufacture
If the startup procedure is divided into atomic steps with start and stop fragments, then undoing failed startups becomes simplified, but the startup procedure structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each atomic step self-service by embedding both the execution logic and the corresponding undo logic within the step itself. Each atomic step contains a start fragment that performs the startup action and a stop fragment that automatically reverses it if needed. This self-service design eliminates the need for external stop scripts to analyze or reconstruct the startup process, simplifying error handling despite the increased structural organization required.
Data Source
AI summary
An application package startup procedure is divided into a plurality of atomic steps. For each of the plurality of atomic steps, a start fragment is created. The start fragment is configured to execute substeps that further the startup procedure. A stop fragment is created. The stop fragment is configured to execute substeps that undo its corresponding start fragment.