Universal Software Automation Pipelines With Hierarchical Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of software components across various environments and technology stacks leads to complex lifecycle challenges, including misconfigurations, build failures, computational inefficiencies, and network inefficiencies due to varying dependencies and execution environments, which existing CI/CD systems struggle to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A pipeline execution system that automatically configures software automation tasks using hierarchical configurations and configuration slices, supporting multiple technology stacks, reduces duplication, and enhances computational efficiency by customizing pipeline sessions based on client project requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If software components are integrated across various environments and technology stacks, then the software can serve diverse platforms and execution environments, but the lifecycle complexity increases due to varying dependencies, misconfigurations, and build failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the software lifecycle into distinct pipeline stages (build, test, deploy) that can be independently configured and executed. Each stage is broken down into actionable tasks that can be managed separately, reducing the complexity of overseeing the entire lifecycle across multiple environments and technology stacks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal pipeline execution system that can handle multiple technology stacks and execution environments through a single standardized interface. The system uses hierarchical configurations that define universal patterns applicable across different software types (web applications, mobile applications, SDKs, microservices), eliminating the need for separate lifecycle management systems for each environment.
2Manufacturing precision
If specialized lifecycle stages are implemented for different software aspects, then build quality and testing accuracy improve, but computational and network inefficiencies increase due to redundant configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary configuration setup by defining hierarchical patterns before actual pipeline execution. The system pre-configures build, test, and deploy stages with appropriate parameters for each technology stack, so that when pipelines are executed, they inherit these pre-defined settings rather than requiring redundant configuration specifications, thus improving efficiency without sacrificing quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter-based configurations that can be dynamically adjusted based on the specific technology stack and execution environment. The hierarchical configuration system allows parameters to be defined at multiple levels (global, pipeline, task), enabling the system to optimize computational resources by applying appropriate parameters only where needed, reducing redundancy while maintaining build and test quality.
3Reliability
If comprehensive testing across different scenarios is performed, then software reliability improves, but the time and computational resources required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pipeline execution where the testing scope and depth are adjusted based on the specific technology stack, execution environment, and detected issues. The system dynamically determines which test scenarios are necessary for each pipeline, avoiding static comprehensive testing that would waste time on unnecessary scenarios while ensuring all critical reliability aspects are covered.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where pipeline execution results inform subsequent testing decisions. The system analyzes build and test outcomes to determine if additional testing scenarios are needed, allowing the pipeline to adapt its testing comprehensiveness based on actual software behavior and detected issues, thus achieving high reliability without unnecessary time consumption.
4Manufacturing precision
If project-specific pipeline configurations are created for each client project, then customization accuracy improves, but the device complexity and maintenance burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested configuration structure where generic pipeline templates contain configurable parameters that can be overridden at multiple levels. The hierarchical configuration system allows project-specific customizations to be nested within broader technology stack configurations, which in turn are nested within universal pipeline definitions. This nested approach maintains customization accuracy while reducing complexity by reusing common configurations across multiple projects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary configuration matching that automatically identifies the appropriate hierarchical configuration template for each client project based on its technology stack and requirements. This automatic template selection and application occurs before pipeline execution, providing project-specific customization accuracy without requiring manual configuration creation, thus reducing the maintenance burden.
Data Source
AI summary
The methods and systems described herein may provide an architecture design for high performance, language-agnostic software automation pipelines that provide software automation tasks, such as Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) tasks, for execution in a pipeline session that supports various technology stacks. The pipeline session may be configured in a manner that is customized to meet the requirements of the client project, such as the technology stack used by the client project. For example, the pipeline session may be configured through the use of a universal design that reduces duplication and proliferation of project-specific pipelines and configurations.