Automated Build Environment Setup via Manifest Files
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Solution Overview
Problem
Software developers face a labor-intensive and time-consuming process when creating build environments, requiring manual installation of numerous applications, libraries, and software components in a specific order, which becomes even more complex when different environments are needed for different software projects.
Innovation Solution
A setup application that utilizes a text file, such as a manifest file, to automate the creation of build environments by specifying characteristics like installed software and installation order, allowing for quick and precise recreation of build environments with minimal manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual installation of software components is performed, then build environments can be created with required software, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating manifest files that pre-specify all required software components, versions, and installation sequences before the build environment is actually needed. This allows the environment to be automatically reconstructed without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between reliability (pre-specified correct components) and productivity (automated rapid recreation).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating text-based manifest representations of build environments that can be stored, transmitted, and replicated. These manifests serve as copyable blueprints that capture the essential characteristics of complex software environments, enabling efficient reproduction without manual reconfiguration.
2Reliability
If software components are installed in a specific order, then dependency requirements are met, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by breaking down the complex installation process into discrete, ordered steps defined in the manifest file. Each software component and its dependencies are explicitly listed in installation sequence, allowing automated scripts to execute simple sequential commands rather than managing complex interdependent installation logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifest file serves as an intermediary that captures dependency relationships and installation order information. This intermediary document allows the build system to automatically manage complex dependencies without requiring the installation script to contain complex decision-making logic, thereby reducing process complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple build environments are created for different software projects, then project-specific requirements are met, but the time and effort required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables efficient creation of multiple project-specific environments by copying and adapting manifest files. Once a manifest is created for one project, it can be copied and modified for similar projects, or entirely new projects can be set up by creating new manifests based on templates, dramatically reducing the time required to establish multiple customized build environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifest-based approach provides universality by creating a single automation mechanism that can handle any number of different build environments across different projects. The same automated system that creates one environment can create any number of other environments by processing different manifest files, making the system adaptable to diverse project requirements without proportionally increasing setup time.
Data Source
AI summary
Build environments for software can be constructed. For example, a computing device can receive a file indicating a first software component to be installed in a build environment and a second software component to be built in the build environment. The computing device can perform a first setup phase for creating part of the build environment by causing the first software component to be installed in the build environment. The computing device can also determine that the first setup phase is complete. Based on determining that the first setup phase is complete, the computing device can perform a second setup phase for completing the build environment by causing the second software component to be built in the build environment.