Debug Plug-in for Distributed System Problem Tracing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In distributed computing environments, identifying and resolving functionality problems in applications that utilize multiple distinct services is challenging due to the complexity of tracing specific conditions and the need for technical knowledge, as well as the cumbersome nature of formal debugging systems.
Innovation Solution
A debug plug-in application with a 'Debug' button that allows users to enter a problem phrase, which is resubmitted with additional information to multiple services, enabling the introspection application to poll for problem response data stored in a data storage allocation associated with the phrase, decoupling services and providing intuitive problem tracing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If formal debugging systems are used, then problem identification capability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to technical knowledge requirements and customized frameworks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary problem reporting system that mediates between the user and the complex distributed services. Instead of requiring users to directly interact with formal debugging systems, the intermediary captures user-friendly problem descriptions and automatically translates them into service-specific problem requests, eliminating the need for technical knowledge while maintaining effective problem identification
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing users to report problems through intuitive interfaces without requiring knowledge of formal debugging tools or service-specific protocols. The automatic problem translation and data collection mechanisms perform the complex debugging tasks autonomously, making the system accessible to non-technical users
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If formal debugging systems with customized frameworks are implemented, then problem detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the problem detection functionality across multiple independent services, each responsible for capturing specific problem-related data. Rather than implementing a single complex customized framework, the system divides the detection task into separate, simple service components that independently contribute to the overall problem identification capability
Solution Approach 2:
The problem reporting system provides universal functionality across all services by using a common problem phrase as the key to access service-specific data. This multi-functional approach allows a single user interface to access diverse data from multiple services without requiring service-specific customized frameworks, reducing overall system complexity
3Measurement precision
If conditions for problem occurrence are captured in detail, then problem identification accuracy is improved, but loss of information increases due to non-uniform data capture across services
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by collecting problem response data from multiple services and presenting it through a unified interface. The feedback mechanism ensures that all relevant information from different services is aggregated and made available, preventing information loss while maintaining high identification accuracy through comprehensive data collection
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and computer program products are provided. Methods for identifying problems in a distributed computing system may include receiving a user-selected identifier that corresponds to a nonfunctionality in an application. Problem requests including content corresponding to the user-selected identifier are sent to services that provide functionality to the application. The services may optionally respond to the problem requests with problem response data. The problem response data is stored in a data storage allocation that is associated with the user-selected identifier. The problem response data may be retrieved from the data storage allocation.