Declarative Debug Data Retrieval for Containerized Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Debugging software applications in distributed computing environments is challenging due to the need for end users to manually collect and package debugging information, which can be time-consuming, error-prone, and requires technical expertise, especially when developers lack direct access.
Innovation Solution
Using declarative specifications, such as YAML or JSON files, to automate the retrieval of debugging information, allowing end users to easily understand and execute data retrieval tasks without writing scripts, leveraging operators in Kubernetes environments for execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If end users manually collect and package debugging information, then debugging data can be obtained, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing end users with pre-written scripts that have been prepared in advance by developers. These scripts contain pre-defined instructions for collecting and packaging debugging information, eliminating the need for users to manually perform time-consuming and error-prone collection tasks while ensuring accurate and consistent data gathering.
2Productivity
If developers provide scripts for end users to execute, then data retrieval is automated, but users must execute unfamiliar scripts they do not understand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a specification file that serves as a mediator between the developer's intent and the end user's execution. The specification file contains human-readable declarative descriptions of what data to collect and how to package it, allowing users to understand the purpose and process without needing to comprehend the underlying complex scripting logic.
3Adaptability or versatility
If developers manually write scripts for each debugging scenario, then specific debugging tasks can be automated, but it consumes unnecessary amounts of time and computing resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a specification file format that can handle multiple debugging scenarios and data types through a single standardized structure. This universal specification approach allows the same framework to accommodate various debugging needs (different data sources, formats, and destinations) without requiring developers to write separate scripts for each scenario, thereby reducing time and resource consumption while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer can receive, by a software program executing on the processing device, a specification file drafted by a developer of a software application, the specification file having a declarative format and indicating a series of data retrieval tasks to be performed as part of a debugging process for debugging a problem with the software application. The computer can determine operations based on the series of data retrieval tasks indicated by the specification file, the operations being executable to perform the tasks. The computer can execute the one or more operations to perform the data retrieval tasks. By performing the data retrieval tasks, the computer can retrieve debugging information associated with one or more containers associated with the software application. The computer can transmit the retrieved debugging information to a debugging entity for use in debugging the problem with the software application.