File Anchors for Cross-Device Source Code Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In distributed software development environments, coordinating source code file synchronization across different computing devices with varying notions of time is challenging, leading to inefficiencies in determining which version of a file is newer and requiring manual intervention to resolve conflicts.
Innovation Solution
The use of file anchors, which are time-stamped objects created during synchronization, allows for determining which source code files have been updated and identifying the newer version by calculating difference values divorced from each machine's local time notion, enabling efficient synchronization and conflict resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If source code files are copied between different computing devices running different operating systems, then file availability for remote builds is improved, but file synchronization complexity increases due to different time notions on each device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces file anchors as intermediary objects that mediate between different computing devices with varying time notions. These anchors serve as a common reference point that both devices can understand and compare, eliminating the complexity of directly comparing timestamps from different time sources. The anchor acts as a mediator that translates between different time systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the synchronization reference from the time dimension (which varies between devices) to a hierarchical dimension using file anchors. Instead of comparing timestamps directly, the system compares file paths relative to anchor points, adding a spatial/hierarchical dimension to the synchronization process that bypasses the time notion problem.
2Measurement precision
If manual intervention is used to resolve file version conflicts, then accuracy in determining newer versions is improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the synchronization system automatically determines which file version is newer by comparing file paths relative to anchors, without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the anchor-based comparison method to autonomously resolve version conflicts, eliminating the need for user involvement while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the file anchor comparison results automatically feed into the synchronization decision process. The system continuously monitors file changes, compares them against anchors, and automatically applies synchronization decisions based on the comparison results, creating a closed-loop system that resolves conflicts without human intervention.
3Reliability
If all source code files are copied to ensure synchronization, then file availability is improved, but computational resource consumption and transfer time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the file synchronization process into anchor-based comparisons and selective file transfers. Instead of copying all files unconditionally, the system first compares file paths relative to anchors to identify which files have actually changed, then only transfers those specific files. This segmentation dramatically reduces unnecessary data transfer while maintaining synchronization reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing only the necessary file transfers required for synchronization. Using file anchors, the system identifies and transfers only the specific files that have changed since the last synchronization point, rather than performing excessive full file set copies. This partial approach maintains reliability while improving efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer program products are described herein that enable files, such as source code files used in building executable code, to be synchronized between two computing devices in a manner that utilizes file anchors or other time-stamped objects generated by and stored on each computing device. The file anchors can be used to determine which source code files on each computing device have been updated since a prior synchronization with another computing device and also to determine which version of a source code file stored on each computing device is the newer version, even when both computing devices have a different notion of time.