Unified Debug Interface for Multi-Layer Software Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing debugging techniques for data storage systems lack a unified and extensible method to issue debug commands across multiple software layers, leading to complexity and inefficiency in debugging code within both common and platform-specific layers.
Innovation Solution
A method and debug interface that includes a first function interface for the common software layer and a second function interface for the platform-specific software layer, allowing runtime transfer of control to perform syntactic and semantic processing of debug commands, enabling unified debugging across layers without modifying the common layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate debug interfaces are provided for each software layer, then each layer can be debugged with layer-specific functions, but the debug client must be aware of and use different function sets for each layer, increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal debug interface where a single function set can handle debugging for multiple software layers. The debug client issues commands through a common interface that automatically routes to the appropriate layer, eliminating the need for layer-specific function sets and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary routing mechanism that sits between the debug client and the software layers. This intermediary receives debug commands through a unified interface and automatically forwards them to the correct layer, shielding the client from the complexity of multiple layer-specific interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the debug interface is modified to support new debug commands, then functionality is improved, but the interface definition changes requiring updates across multiple layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the debug interface into a stable common interface layer and flexible implementation layers. New debug commands can be added to specific software layers without affecting the common interface definition, allowing functionality expansion without requiring widespread interface modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic debug interface where the common interface remains static while the underlying layer implementations can be dynamically extended. New debug commands are handled by adding capabilities to specific layers without changing the common interface definition, enabling adaptability without interface instability.
3Reliability
If debugging requires knowledge of multiple function sets across layers, then layer-specific debugging capability is improved, but debugging efficiency decreases due to the need to switch between different function interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal debug interface that maintains the ability to debug any software layer while presenting a consistent function set to the debug client. The interface automatically adapts to the target layer, providing both universality and layer-specific capability without requiring efficiency-reducing interface switching.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are techniques for debugging code of a provider using a debug interface. The provider includes a first software layer providing common services and a second software layer including code modules each providing a set of customized services. The debug interface includes a first function interface for a first function having first code included in the first software layer and including a second function interface for a second function having second code included in the first software layer which provides for runtime transfer of control to code included in said second software layer. The first function is invoked to issue debug commands to debug code in the first software layer. The second function is invoked to issue debug commands to debug code in the second software layer. A client sends debug commands in accordance with the debug interface to a server including the provider.