Extended Language Precompiler Automating Code Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing code processing methods are inefficient and error-prone, particularly in high-level languages like COBOL, as they require manual coding for complex tasks, leading to lengthy development times and increased chances of errors.

Innovation Solution

An extended language precompiler system (ELP) that parses and modifies source code prior to compilation, using macros and a scripting language to automate code generation, optimization, and injection of necessary code, thereby simplifying development and reducing errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual coding is used for complex tasks in high-level languages, then code can be written with basic tools, but development time increases and error rates increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecode generation efficiencyVSAvoiddevelopment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The precompiler performs code generation and optimization tasks before the actual compilation process. Macros are expanded and code is transformed in advance, eliminating the need for manual coding of repetitive tasks during the main development process, thus reducing development time while maintaining productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a precompiler as an intermediary tool between the source code and the compiler. This precompiler uses scripting languages and macro systems to automatically generate and optimize code before compilation, serving as a mediator that bridges manual programming and automated code generation, thereby reducing both development time and error rates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual coding is used for complex tasks, then basic programming tools suffice, but error rates increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecode error rateVSAvoidprocessing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The precompiler acts as an intermediary that automatically processes and validates code before compilation. It uses scripting languages and macro systems to generate error-free code templates, reducing manual errors while the systematic processing approach manages the inherent complexity through structured methodologies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service through automated code generation and validation. The precompiler automatically detects and corrects common errors, validates macro expansions, and ensures code correctness without requiring extensive manual review, thereby improving reliability while the automation handles the complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If automated code generation is implemented, then development efficiency improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecode processing efficiencyVSAvoidprecompiler system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The precompiler system is segmented into distinct functional components: macro processing, scripting language execution, code generation, and optimization modules. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific tasks efficiently, improving overall code processing efficiency while managing system complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The precompiler is designed as a universal system that can handle multiple programming languages and task types through scripting languages. This multi-functionality allows a single automated system to perform various code generation and optimization tasks across different languages, improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9122489B1Extended language precompiler
Publication Date: 2015.09.01 WALMART APOLLO LLC
  • US9122489B1 patent drawing
  • US9122489B1 patent drawing
  • US9122489B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system is provided that is adapted to process source code. In one implementation, and extended language precompiler is provided that processes source code according to user-definable parameters which permits a number of actions to be performed with respect to the code prior to compilation. In one example, the precompiler may insert, replace, analyze or substitute code within the original source code, and produce output source code that can be compiled by a compiler.