File Migration Range Determination via Dependency Graph Analysis

The patent creates a universal configuration extraction framework that can handle multiple types of configurations (standard, ad-hoc, hard-wired) and various software products through a single unified approach. The system uses a generic dependency graph model and pattern matching mechanisms that work across different product types without requiring product-specific tools, thus achieving both automation and versatility simultaneously.

The system automatically discovers and extracts configurations by analyzing dependency graphs and identifying patterns in configuration files, without requiring manual intervention or pre-defined product knowledge. The extraction process serves itself by automatically detecting configuration types and extracting relevant information based on observed patterns, enabling it to handle unknown products and ad-hoc configurations that would traditionally require manual analysis.

The patent replaces manual questionnaire-based configuration extraction with an automated computational system. Instead of relying on human operators to fill out forms and provide information, the system automatically analyzes dependency graphs, identifies configuration patterns, and extracts configuration information through programmed algorithms, thereby eliminating human error while maintaining high accuracy.

The system continuously validates extracted configurations by cross-referencing them against the dependency graph and observed file patterns. When inconsistencies are detected, the system can request clarification or automatically adjust its extraction, creating a feedback loop that ensures high reliability without requiring manual verification of each configuration item.

The system performs preliminary automated extraction of configuration information by analyzing dependency graphs and identifying patterns before the actual migration process. This preliminary action includes automatically discovering configuration files, extracting their contents, and organizing them into the dependency graph structure, thereby preparing all necessary information in advance and eliminating time-consuming manual analysis during migration.

The system creates a virtual copy of the configuration structure by building a dependency graph that mirrors the actual software environment. This virtual model allows the system to work with simplified representations of configurations rather than manually processing each actual configuration file, significantly reducing time while maintaining the flexibility to handle diverse configuration types through the abstracted graph structure.