In-line Editor for Dynamic Text String Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current software development processes are inefficient for editing and internationalizing text strings in graphical user interfaces, as they require manual detection of typographical errors, inconsistent textual usage across modules, and lack real-time assessment of text string translations, leading to errors and increased development time.
Innovation Solution
A software solution that includes an in-line editor allowing privileged users to dynamically edit text items on a graphical user interface without reloading, using a single identifier for multiple instances of text, and leveraging AJAX and JavaScript to immediately update text across all user terminals, with resource bundles in .xml format converted to Java objects for efficient translation and internationalization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional manual editing methods are used for text strings in software applications, then developers can detect and correct typographical errors and inconsistencies, but the process becomes long and tedious requiring multiple compilation and testing cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service editing where privileged users can directly modify text strings in the running application without requiring developer intervention or re-compilation. The in-line editor allows users to select and edit text items directly on the graphical interface, and changes are automatically saved to resource bundles and reflected immediately.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-identifying all text items in the application and organizing them in resource bundles with unique keys before runtime. This preparation allows for rapid editing during operation, as the infrastructure for text retrieval and updating is already in place without requiring compilation or re-loading.
2Adaptability or versatility
If text strings are extracted and translated using traditional internationalization methods, then translations can be prepared, but source code characters may be inadvertently translated causing compilation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments text content from code by organizing all displayable text into separate resource bundles (XML files) with unique keys. Each text item is identified and extracted with its corresponding key, separating translatable content from executable code. This segmentation allows translation tools to process only the text content while leaving source code intact.
Solution Approach 2:
Resource bundles serve as an intermediary layer between the application code and translated text. Instead of translating source code directly, the system uses resource bundles as a mediator that stores key-text pairs. The application references text by key rather than containing literal strings, allowing translations to be swapped without modifying the original code.
3Ease of operation
If an introspective editor is used to edit text strings in context, then editing can be performed without extracting text, but changes are not visible until the application is re-started and edits are stored for future use
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements immediate feedback by automatically saving edited text to resource bundles and dynamically updating the graphical interface without requiring application restart. The in-line editor provides real-time feedback to users as changes are made, and other users see updates immediately through AJAX technology, creating a continuous feedback loop that confirms changes are effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The system makes the text update process dynamic by allowing edits to be applied and visible during runtime without static re-compilation or re-starting. The resource bundles are updated on-the-fly and the graphical interface dynamically reflects changes, transforming a static update process into a dynamic, real-time operation.
4Manufacturing precision
If a separate resource key is provided for every text string, then each text can be individually translated, but every instance of text must be individually changed increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes resource keys universal by allowing a single key to reference the same text string across multiple locations and contexts within the application. Instead of requiring unique keys for each instance, the same key can be used universally throughout the application, reducing the number of edits needed while maintaining the ability to translate individual text items.
Data Source
AI summary
A software application, method of constructing same, and method for editing text displayed by same are disclosed. In a form, the software application is a web-format application with a core set of executable instructions dictating the display, operation, and user interaction, the instructions including identifiers for text to be displayed on pages thereof. The software application includes at least one secondary file containing text strings and keys therein, and the identifiers use the keys to locate the text strings to be displayed. An editor is provided that allows for direct editing of the displayed text items, and the edited text items are then saved back to the secondary file(s). The software application further includes a program, such as an AJAX program or module, for automatically and dynamically changing the displayed text item to the edited text item on the displayed web page, for every user of the application.