Deployment Engine Replicates Local Dev Environment in Remote Virtual Guest
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Solution Overview
Problem
Software development environments and test environments often differ, making it difficult for developers to debug and develop program code in remote test environments that lack native software development features, requiring manual setup and configuration of tools.
Innovation Solution
A deployment engine that automatically replicates aspects of a local software development environment within a remote test environment using container or virtual machine deployment engines, such as Docker or hypervisors, by building an image file based on configuration data to configure virtual guests with software development features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a remote test environment is used, then testing and development can be performed remotely, but the environment lacks native software development features making debugging difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual guest environment that copies the software development features from the host system. The virtual guest replicates essential development tools, editors, and environment variables, enabling developers to access familiar debugging capabilities in the remote test environment without directly modifying the host system.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual guest acts as an intermediary between the remote test environment and the developer's local development tools. It provides a bridge that allows developers to access and use software development features remotely through the virtualized environment, eliminating the need for direct local system modification.
2Ease of operation
If software development features are added to remote test environment, then debugging capability improves, but manual setup and configuration is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by automatically creating and configuring the virtual guest environment with all necessary software development features before the developer needs to use them. The system pre-configures environment variables, installs necessary software packages, and sets up the development toolchain automatically, eliminating manual setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtualization system provides self-service by automatically provisioning and configuring the development environment within the virtual guest. The system autonomously handles environment variable setup, software package installation, and tool configuration without requiring manual intervention from the developer.
3Ease of operation
If virtualization is used to replicate development environment, then familiar tools become accessible remotely, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal virtualization solution that can replicate multiple different software development environments using the same underlying technology. The virtual guest system provides multi-functionality by supporting various development tools, editors, and environment configurations through a single virtualization platform, reducing the need for multiple specialized systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A deployment engine executing on a computing device can receive a command from a user via a command line interface of the deployment engine. The command can include a predesignated flag for replicating a software development environment that is local to the computing device. The deployment engine can obtain configuration data describing characteristics of the software development environment. The deployment engine can, in response to receiving the command, build an image file based on the configuration data. The image file can be configured for deploying the software development environment inside a virtual guest on a remote computing device.