Code Branch Merge Simulation via Relationship Graph
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Solution Overview
Problem
Merging software code branches can introduce errors due to unawareness of dependencies and similarities between branches, and traditional methods do not allow for selective merging of sub-sections, leading to tedious and error-prone processes.
Innovation Solution
A method that simulates the merge by identifying differences between code branches, generating a differences list, and building a relationship graph with nodes and edges representing dependencies and similarities, allowing users to selectively merge sub-sets of changes and filter unwanted changes before actual merging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional code branch merging is performed without simulation, then the merging process is simple and fast, but errors are introduced due to unawareness of dependencies and similarities between branches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs a simulation of the code branch merge before the actual merge operation. The simulation phase identifies differences between branches, builds a relationship graph showing dependencies and similarities, and allows users to review and select which changes to merge. This preliminary action prevents errors by making dependencies visible before the actual merge occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a relationship graph as an intermediary representation between the code branches and the merge operation. The graph visually displays dependencies and similarities between code segments from different branches, serving as a mediator that helps users understand the implications of merging before actually merging the code.
2Ease of operation
If traditional code branch merging is performed, then the process is quick, but it is tedious and error-prone due to inability to selectively merge sub-sections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the code differences into discrete units represented as nodes in a relationship graph. Each node corresponds to a specific code segment or function, and edges represent dependencies between them. This segmentation allows users to selectively choose which segments to merge by selecting individual nodes or groups of nodes, rather than being forced to merge entire branches at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables partial merging by allowing users to select only the subset of code changes they want to merge, rather than requiring a complete merge of all differences between branches. Users can review the relationship graph and choose to merge only certain nodes (code segments) while excluding others, performing a partial merge action that is tailored to specific needs.
3Loss of information
If code branches are merged without visualizing dependencies, then the process is straightforward, but errors occur due to unawareness of relationships between code segments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the flat, linear view of code differences into a multi-dimensional relationship graph that displays dependencies and similarities as spatial relationships between nodes. The graph adds a visual dimension to the merge process, showing connections and relationships that would be difficult to perceive in a linear text-based diff view. This dimensional transformation makes hidden dependencies visible.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment provides a method, including: receiving a request to merge at least one code branch with a first code branch, wherein the at least one code branch and the first code branch comprise different versions of software code; and simulating the merge via: identifying the differences between the at least one code branch and the first code branch; generating a differences list comprising a list of (i) added code snippets, (ii) deleted code snippets, and (iii) changed code snippets, wherein code snippets are clustered in the differences list by difference chunks comprising connected code snippets; and building a relationship graph comprising a plurality of nodes and a plurality of edges, wherein each of the plurality of nodes represent a difference chunk and wherein each of the plurality of edges comprise a relationship between two of the plurality of nodes; each of the plurality of edges comprise a cost vector.