Authoring Tool Configuration Update Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Developers face challenges in updating authoring tools for customized configurations of enterprise solutions, as changes require time-consuming retesting and resetting of customizations, discouraging extensive customization due to the associated time and expense.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for updating an authoring tool that involves receiving a base package with the application and base configuration, installing it, and saving custom configuration information separately, allowing for comparison with update packages to identify and report affected elements, thereby reducing the need for full retesting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If developers use authoring tools to create extensive customized configurations, then the customization capability and detail level improve, but the time and cost for retesting and resetting increase when updates occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments configuration data into base configuration (stored with the application) and custom configuration (stored separately). This segmentation allows the system to identify which configuration elements are affected by updates, enabling selective retesting only of affected custom configurations rather than all configurations, thus reducing retesting time while preserving extensive customization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system compares updated base configuration against saved custom configurations to automatically identify affected elements. This feedback loop enables the system to determine precisely which custom configurations need retesting after updates, eliminating the need to retest everything and reducing overall retesting time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If developers create detailed customized configurations, then the configuration detail and functionality improve, but the complexity of managing updates and changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating base configuration from custom configuration into distinct storage locations, the system simplifies update management. Updates only affect the base configuration, and the system automatically determines which custom configurations need to be updated based on comparison, reducing the complexity of managing detailed customizations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the base configuration that can be compared against custom configurations to identify differences. This copying mechanism simplifies update management by providing a clear baseline for comparison, making it easier to track which custom configurations are affected by updates.
3Reliability
If the authoring tool is updated with new features or fixes, then the tool functionality improves, but all customizations must be reset and retested
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of configuration data allows the authoring tool to be updated independently of custom configurations. The system compares updated base configuration with saved custom configurations to automatically identify affected elements, enabling selective retesting and maintaining customization development efficiency while improving tool functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism automatically identifies which custom configurations are affected by tool updates, allowing developers to focus retesting efforts only on affected elements rather than all customizations, thus maintaining high productivity while improving tool reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide for updating an application such as an authoring tool for defining one or more customized configurations of a software package. According to one embodiment, a base package including the application and information defining a base configuration for the application can be received and installed. Instructions to create a custom configuration of the application can be received and information defining the custom configuration can be saved separate from the application and the base configuration. An update package including an update to the authoring tool can be received and installed. The information defining the custom configuration can be read and compared to the update to the authoring tool to determine whether the update affects the custom configuration. If the update to the authoring tool affects the custom configuration, elements of the custom configuration that are found to be affected can be reported.