Extensibility IDE for Business Object Node Modification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Business applications often require extension capabilities to allow third-party developers and end-users to modify existing business objects, but existing systems lack efficient tools for facilitating such extensions, limiting customization and collaboration in software development.
Innovation Solution
An extensibility integrated development environment (IDE) is provided that allows users to select and modify existing business objects by adding attributes, using a script-based editor and metadata repository, enabling the storage of these modifications for use during runtime, thereby enabling the extension of business objects within an enterprise resource planning system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If business applications provide predetermined business objects, then implementation is facilitated, but extensibility and customization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The business object is segmented into nodes that can be independently selected and extended. Users can modify specific nodes without affecting the entire business object structure, enabling targeted customization while maintaining overall system integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by generating a page that highlights modifiable nodes before the user makes modifications. This preparation step identifies and presents extendable areas, making the extension process more manageable and less complex.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing systems lack efficient extension tools, then system stability is maintained, but customization capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A page is introduced as an intermediary between the user and the business object nodes. This page highlights modifiable nodes and facilitates the extension process by presenting a user-friendly interface that simplifies the interaction between users and the complex business object structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to perform extensions themselves through the page that presents highlighted nodes for modification. Users can independently add attributes to selected nodes without requiring complex tooling or deep system knowledge, making the extension process accessible and easy to operate.
3Adaptability or versatility
If third-party developers and end-users can modify business objects, then collaboration is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The page serves multiple functions: it highlights modifiable nodes, presents them for selection, and facilitates the addition of attributes. This multi-functional approach consolidates several operations into a single interface, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from multiple separate tools or processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a view or representation of the business object nodes on the page, allowing users to work with copies or representations of the actual nodes. This copying approach allows modifications to be made in a simplified environment before being applied to the actual business object, reducing the complexity of direct manipulation.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, there is provided a computer-implemented method. The method may including selecting an existing business object for extension in an extensibility integrated development system; generating, in the extensibility integrated development system, a page highlighting one or more nodes of the existing business object to allow selection of the one or more nodes for modification; selecting, in the extensibility integrated development system, at least one of the one or more nodes, when highlighted; modifying, in the extensibility integrated development system, the selected one or more nodes by adding at least one attribute to the at least one of the selected one or more nodes; and storing, in a repository, the modified node including the added at least one attribute. Related apparatus, systems, methods, and articles are also described.