Dynamic WSDL Generation from Database Metadata
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for describing database services and types in a programming environment require human interpretation of printed documentation, whereas a machine-readable format like WSDL is needed for automated access, particularly for services on a SQL server to be accessed from a client environment.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to dynamically generate WSDL documents based on database metadata by querying for endpoint metadata, collecting entry points and their attributes, creating unique XML Schema namespaces, and emitting WSDL document definitions for messages, port types, and bindings, allowing for automated communication between server and client environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If printed documentation is used to describe database services, then human interpretation is enabled, but automation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces WSDL (Web Services Description Language) as an intermediary document that bridges human-readable documentation and machine-readable service interfaces. The WSDL document serves as a mediator that programs can parse to automatically access database services, while still being generatable from human-understandable database metadata schemas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing programs to automatically generate service access code from WSDL documents without human intervention. The database metadata automatically generates WSDL descriptions, which in turn enable automated program generation, creating a self-sustaining automation cycle that reduces manual programming effort.
2Extent of automation
If WSDL documents are manually created to describe database services, then machine-readable format is achieved, but manual effort and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining database metadata schemas that automatically contain all necessary information for WSDL generation. The database schema serves as a preliminary structure that encapsulates service descriptions, types, and relationships, enabling automatic WSDL generation without manual intervention later in the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses copying by generating WSDL documents as automated copies or representations of the underlying database metadata schemas. The WSDL document is a derived copy that translates database schema information into web service description format, preserving the essential service interface information while adapting it to the WSDL structure.
3Extent of automation
If database metadata is dynamically queried at runtime, then WSDL document generation is automated, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional runtime querying mechanism that serves multiple purposes: it queries database metadata, parses schema information, generates WSDL documents, and provides service descriptions all through a single integrated system. This universal component reduces the need for separate tools for each task.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for generating WSDL (“Web Services Description Language”) documents to describe types and function entry points based on database metadata are disclosed. Such a method may include resolving the endpoint metadata by querying based on parameters about the request collected by the HTTP stack. From the endpoint metadata, the list of entry points which have been mapped may be collected. For each entry point, attributes about the entry point may be collected, and metadata for the types of parameters to the entry point may be looked up. A first collection of unique XML schema namespaces may be created, with one entry corresponding to each unique XML schema namespace for any arbitrary user-defined XML Schema definitions required by a parameter to an entry point. A second collection of unique XML schema namespaces may be created, with one entry corresponding to each unique XML schema namespace for an entry point. The wrapper elements for the WSDL document and any global XML schema definitions may be emitted. The first collection of unique XML schema namespaces may be iterated through, and the XML schema definitions may be emitted. The second collection of unique XML schema namespaces may be iterated through. For each entry point in the second collection, the XML schema definition for the entry point may be emitted, including any XML schema definitions for parameters to the entry point. After emitting all of the XML schema definitions, the entry points may be iterated through, and WSDL document definitions for messages, port types, and bindings for each entry point may be emitted. After emitting all of the message definitions, the WSDL document may be completed by emitting service entry definitions for the endpoint.