IDE Code Collapse via Property-Based Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) require users to manually select and collapse multiple sections of code, which is a tedious process, especially when dealing with proprietary or confidential content.
Innovation Solution
The ability to collapse content in IDEs based on designated properties such as attributes, IDs, tag classes, and property relationships, allowing users to select what to collapse without manually highlighting each section, with options to replace collapsed content with indicators or hide it entirely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manually select and collapse multiple sections of code in IDEs, then code collapse functionality is achieved, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments code into hierarchical blocks based on structural properties (functions, classes, loops, conditionals). Each block can be independently collapsed or expanded, allowing users to selectively hide portions of code without manually selecting each line. This segmentation enables automated collapse operations based on code structure rather than manual selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically identifies and collapses code blocks based on their structural properties and user-defined criteria. Once a user specifies collapse criteria (e.g., collapse all functions, collapse confidential code), the system autonomously applies these rules throughout the codebase without requiring continuous manual intervention. The code structure itself provides the information needed for automatic collapse decisions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users manually highlight each code section to collapse, then precise control over collapse targets is achieved, but the complexity of the operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal collapse mechanism that works across multiple code structures and programming languages. A single set of collapse criteria can apply to various code elements (functions, classes, loops, conditionals, comments) regardless of their specific type or location. The system provides multiple collapse modes (structural, confidentiality-based, size-based) that can be combined or selected based on needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to define collapse behavior through configurable parameters such as collapse depth, collapse scope, confidentiality thresholds, and structural criteria. By changing these parameters, users can adapt the collapse functionality to different scenarios without modifying the underlying mechanism. For example, adjusting confidentiality sensitivity or block size thresholds automatically changes which code sections are collapsed.
3Area of stationary object
If code collapse replaces portions of code with representative images or buttons, then screen space is optimized, but the ability to view complete code is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested collapse structures where code blocks can be collapsed within collapsed blocks, creating hierarchical visibility control. Users can collapse outer structures (e.g., entire functions) and then further collapse inner structures (e.g., nested loops within those functions). This nested approach allows progressive disclosure of code at multiple levels, optimizing screen space while maintaining the ability to view complete code through systematic expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of code structure and confidentiality properties before collapse, pre-identifying which blocks should be collapsed based on user criteria. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare collapse states in advance, providing users with preview options and ensuring that collapsing code blocks does not inadvertently hide critical information. Users can review the planned collapse before execution.
Data Source
AI summary
A content collapse feature is described that allows a user to designate what should be collapsed by designating a content property, such as attributes, identifications (IDs), tag classes, and the like. Input of one or more content properties come in from a user desiring to collapse various sections of content displayed in an IDE. One or more portions of the content corresponding to the content properties is identified by the IDE and then collapsed wherein the content in the collapsed portions are removed from the IDE display. The collapsed portions of content may either be replaced with a collapse indicator visible to users in the IDE display or hidden from view altogether in the IDE.