Cross-Platform Plugin Generation via Platform-Independent Model
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing software development landscape is hindered by the incompatibility of software platforms, making it difficult to execute applications written for one platform on another, such as IOS on ANDROID or vice versa.
Innovation Solution
A framework for automatic generation of plugins for cross-platform development tools, where a platform-independent model is created in an intermediary language like XML, JSON, or YAML, which is then processed to generate platform-specific plugins for JAVA, JAVASCRIPT, and other languages, allowing code to be written once and compiled for multiple platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If developers write code for a specific platform (e.g., IOS), then the application can be executed on that platform, but the code cannot be executed on other platforms (e.g., ANDROID)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal platform-independent model that can be used across multiple platforms (IOS, ANDROID, WINDOWS). This model serves as a single source that generates platform-specific plugins, allowing one codebase to function on multiple platforms without requiring separate development for each platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary platform-independent model layer between the developer's code and the platform-specific implementations. This intermediary model acts as a mediator that translates high-level platform-independent operations into platform-specific plugin calls, enabling cross-platform compatibility while maintaining platform-specific functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple platform-specific plugins are developed manually, then each platform can be supported, but the development time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by defining the platform-independent model once and using it as a template to generate all platform-specific plugins. Instead of manually developing each platform-specific plugin from scratch, the system pre-establishes the common structure and uses automated generation to create platform-specific implementations, significantly reducing development time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by generating platform-specific plugins as copies or variations of the platform-independent model. The generation process creates platform-specific versions by substituting platform-specific implementations while maintaining the overall structure and functionality defined in the common model, reducing the need for redundant development work.
3Adaptability or versatility
If platform-specific code is written for each platform, then platform-specific functionality can be achieved, but code reuse and maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the codebase into two distinct parts: a platform-independent common model that contains shared functionality and platform-specific plugins that handle platform-particular operations. This segmentation allows the common model to be maintained once and reused across all platforms, while platform-specific functionality is isolated in separate plugins that can be independently updated without affecting other platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform-independent common model serves as a universal foundation that can be maintained once and applied across multiple platforms. Any changes to common functionality need only be made in the common model, and the generated plugins automatically inherit these changes, simplifying maintenance compared to maintaining separate codebases for each platform.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments for automatic generation of plugins for development tools. A platform-independent model is obtained for software functionality such as an application programming interface (API) to a software development kit (SDK). A platform-specific plugin is generated for a development environment based at least in part on the platform-independent model. The platform-specific plugin provides the software functionality for a particular platform of multiple platforms.