Generic CLI for Cloud Services via Metadata Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Command line interfaces (CLIs) for server applications lack standardization, requiring users to install proprietary clients for each server application, leading to complexity and the need for frequent updates and plug-in management when new functionality is added or when multiple application providers contribute to a server application.
Innovation Solution
A generic command line interface (CLI) system that operates with a CLI backend to provide access to an extensible list of cloud platform services, minimizing client-side plug-ins and requiring only server-side updates, using metadata to support extensibility and authentication through OAuth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary client applications are used for each server application, then each application can be customized and extended with new functionality, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate as users must locate, install, and maintain multiple CLI clients and their plug-ins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal CLI client that can interface with multiple different server applications through a standardized protocol. Instead of requiring separate proprietary clients for each server application, the universal client handles various commands and communicates with different backend services using a common interface, thereby reducing the number of clients users must manage while maintaining the ability to access diverse functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a standardized protocol as an intermediary layer between the CLI client and server applications. This protocol acts as a mediator that translates generic client commands into application-specific operations, allowing the client to remain simple and standardized while still supporting extended functionality through the protocol's capability to handle various command types and communication patterns.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new functionality is added to server applications through plug-ins, then the adaptability and versatility improve, but the ease of operation and device complexity worsen as users must manage additional plug-in installations and updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the extension mechanism from the client side and relocates it to the server side. Instead of requiring plug-ins on the client that users must manage, the system allows server applications to be extended through server-side components that communicate via the standardized protocol. This extraction removes the burden of plug-in management from users while preserving the ability to add new functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional extension model by moving extensibility capabilities from the client to the server. Rather than clients extending functionality through local plug-ins, the server applications provide extended functionality that the universal client accesses through standardized commands, thereby reversing where the complexity resides and improving ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent updates are made to CLI clients to support new functionality, then the adaptability improves, but the productivity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the need for frequent client re-installs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a standardized protocol in advance that defines how new functionality will be communicated between client and server. This preliminary standardization allows new features to be added to server applications without requiring changes to the client, as the protocol already provides the mechanism for communicating new capabilities. Updates can be deployed on the server side without affecting the client installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the system into a stable, standardized client component and a flexible server component. The client is designed with a fixed interface that doesn't require frequent updates, while the server contains the evolving functionality. This segmentation allows independent development and deployment of server updates without triggering client re-installs, thereby maintaining productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are used for providing a generic command line interface to an extensible list of cloud platform services. As an example, a generic command request including a command and command input data is received from a client. A platform service for the command is determined based on command metadata associated with the command. The command input data is mapped to a platform service application programming interface (API) associated with the platform service based on the command metadata associated with the command. The platform service API is called based on the mapping. Response data from the platform service API is mapped to command output data in a generic command response based on the command metadata associated with the command. The generic command response is transmitted to the client.