IDE Template Creation via Visual Tile Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for creating computer programs require extensive training and resources, making it difficult for untrained users to develop specialized functionality or modify existing programs, as they need to write complex code, which is a barrier for individuals without programming expertise.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for creating templates in an integrated development environment (IDE) using a graphical user interface (GUI) where tiles represent data nodes, allowing users to compose structured data objects and apply values to properties, enabling the creation of templates with reduced knowledge and training requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional coding methods are used to create computer programs, then the functionality and complexity of the program can be highly customized, but the requirement for extensive programming training and resources increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a visual programming interface with drag-and-drop components as an intermediary between the user and the underlying code. This mediator translates simple visual arrangements into complex programmed functionality, allowing users to achieve program customization without direct coding knowledge. The visual components serve as intermediaries that encapsulate complex programming logic while presenting simple interfaces to users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical system of text-based coding with a visual manipulation system. Instead of requiring users to physically type and structure code text, the system allows users to manipulate visual representations of code components through dragging, dropping, and connecting graphical elements. This substitution fundamentally changes the interaction paradigm from text-based mechanical coding to visual-based programming.
2Ease of operation
If pre-programmed software is purchased to enable desired functionality, then the ease of use increases for untrained users, but the ability to create specialized or modified functionality decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides software functionality into discrete, reusable visual components or building blocks. Each component represents a specific function that can be independently selected, configured, and combined. This segmentation allows users to start with pre-built components for ease of use while maintaining the ability to create specialized functionality by selecting and customizing specific segments rather than being constrained to monolithic pre-programmed software.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal visual programming environment that can handle multiple types of functionality through a common interface and component library. The same drag-and-drop mechanism and visual component system can be used to create various applications and specialized functions, making the system universally applicable while maintaining adaptability. This multi-functional approach allows a single system to serve both as easy-to-use pre-programmed software and as a platform for creating specialized functionality.
3Reliability
If extensive programming resources and teams are allocated to create large software projects, then the quality and completeness of the program increases, but the cost and time required for development increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pre-configured visual components and templates that contain established best practices, proven code structures, and validated functionality. These preliminary actions are captured in reusable components that can be directly deployed or slightly modified, eliminating the need to start from scratch. This preliminary preparation maintains program quality through proven designs while significantly reducing development time by reusing pre-vetted components rather than creating everything anew.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple programming tasks and functions into integrated visual components. Instead of requiring separate development efforts for different functionalities, related functions are combined into unified components that can be deployed together. This merging maintains system quality through integrated design while reducing development time by eliminating the need to coordinate multiple separate development efforts and integrate them manually.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, computer system, and computer program create a template in an integrated development environment. A set of tiles is displayed within a first area of a graphical user interface. Each tile corresponds to a set of data nodes that are composable into structured data objects according to a domain-specific language. A structured data object is composed from a subset of the tiles. The subset is displayed within a second area of the graphical user interface according to a context of the data nodes. Values are applied to properties of data nodes of the subset according to the context of the data nodes in the structured data object. The template is created from selected tiles of the subset. The template includes the values for the properties as-applied within the context.