Dynamic Configuration Resolution for Transitive Dependencies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing web application deployment methods often result in static configurations, making it difficult to manage and change configuration settings at runtime without rebuilding and redeploying, and fail to handle transitive dependencies effectively, leading to potential configuration errors and lack of optimal settings.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for dynamic configuration resolution that differentiate between direct and transitive dependency relationships, allowing providers to control their configuration settings through APIs, eliminating the need for static binding and enabling runtime changes without redeployment, by using a hierarchical configuration storage and lookup orders to determine appropriate settings based on dependency relationships.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If configuration settings are packaged at deployment time, then application deployment is simplified, but configuration flexibility and ability to change settings at runtime is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment simplicityVSAvoidconfiguration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic configuration resolution where configuration settings are not fixed at deployment time but are resolved at runtime based on actual dependency relationships. The system dynamically determines which configuration to use by traversing the dependency graph and applying lookup orders, allowing configurations to adapt flexibly without redeployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If static configurations are used, then deployment process is simpler, but configuration errors increase and optimal settings cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment process complexityVSAvoidconfiguration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously resolves configurations at runtime based on actual dependency relationships. By traversing the dependency graph and applying lookup orders dynamically, the system receives feedback about the actual runtime environment and adjusts configuration selection accordingly, preventing configuration errors and ensuring optimal settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If transitive dependencies are packaged with configurations, then dependency management is easier, but configuration conflicts and errors increase due to inability to differentiate dependency types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedependency management easeVSAvoidconfiguration setting accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments configuration management by creating distinct configuration sets for different dependency types (direct vs. transitive). The system maintains separate configuration entries in the dependency graph and applies different lookup orders based on the specific dependency relationship, allowing precise control over which configuration is applied to which dependency without conflicts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different configuration settings for different parts of the dependency graph. Each dependency node can have its own configuration settings, and the lookup order mechanism applies appropriate configurations locally based on the specific dependency relationship, ensuring configuration accuracy for each component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Stability of the object's composition

If configuration changes require rebuilding and redeploying, then configuration stability is maintained, but productivity and response time decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration stabilityVSAvoidconfiguration update speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the configuration system dynamic by resolving configurations at runtime rather than fixing them at deployment time. The system can change configuration settings without rebuilding or redeploying the application, as the dynamic resolution mechanism automatically adapts to new configurations by traversing the dependency graph and applying the appropriate lookup orders.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10325003B2Configuration resolution for transitive dependencies

Publication Date: 2019.06.18 WALMART APOLLO LLC

AI summary

A method including: receiving at a server a first request from a first provider to retrieve a first configuration for a first lookup order; determining the first configuration for the first lookup order using the server based at least in part on both an ordering specified by the first lookup order and the first call being through the direct dependency relationship; providing the first configuration to the first provider; receiving at the server a second request from the first provider to retrieve a second configuration for a second lookup order; determining the second configuration for the second lookup order using the server based at least in part on both an ordering specified by the second lookup order and the second call to the first provider by the application being through the transitive dependency relationship; and providing the second configuration to the first provider. Other embodiments are described.