Build Pipeline Dataflow Analysis for Resolving Untracked Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software build pipelines lack effective methods to trace and resolve the flow of data, as artifacts and data generated by the build process are not explicitly referenced or identified in workflow files, complicating the analysis of data origin and security in software supply chains.
Innovation Solution
Implementing static dataflow analysis through an extraction model and a statement model to process workflow files, resolving unresolved parameters and generating output statements that track the flow of data by identifying and updating extracted statements with resolved parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static dataflow analysis is implemented to trace data origins in build pipelines, then security and precision of artifact provenance are improved, but the complexity of analyzing workflow files increases due to unresolved parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the workflow file analysis into distinct components: workflow file parsing, parameter extraction, parameter resolution, and dataflow tracking. Each component handles a specific aspect of the analysis, making the overall complex task manageable and systematic
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary parameter resolution mechanism that acts as a bridge between unresolved parameters in workflow files and their actual values. This intermediary layer resolves parameters by analyzing data assignments and variable relationships, enabling accurate dataflow tracing without requiring explicit parameter identification in the original workflow
2Measurement precision
If explicit parameter identification is required in workflow files for dataflow tracking, then data origin tracing precision is improved, but the ease of operation and workflow file simplicity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the analysis system automatically resolves parameters by examining data assignments and variable relationships within the workflow file itself. The system serves its own need for parameter resolution by extracting and correlating information from the workflow structure, eliminating the need for users to manually annotate or identify parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of requiring explicit parameter identification in workflow files with an automated computational approach. The system uses algorithms to extract, resolve, and trace parameters by analyzing data flow patterns, variable assignments, and operational contexts within the workflow
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive parameter resolution is performed using extracted statements, then dataflow analysis accuracy is improved, but the processing time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by extracting and resolving parameters before conducting the full dataflow analysis. By pre-processing the workflow file to identify and resolve parameters in advance, the system prepares the data structure for more efficient subsequent analysis, reducing the computational burden during the main processing phase
Data Source
AI summary
A method implements static dataflow analysis for build pipelines. The method includes receiving a workflow file that includes an operation. The method further includes applying an extraction model to the workflow file to generate an extracted statement for the operation. The method further includes applying a statement model to the extracted statement to identify an unresolved parameter of the extracted statement. The method further includes applying the statement model to the unresolved parameter to generate a resolved parameter using a set of extracted statements including the extracted statement. The method further includes presenting an output statement including the extracted statement with the resolved parameter.