Interposing Library for Cross-Platform Function Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in executing applications across different operating systems without requiring an executing copy of the original OS, particularly in translating function calls and tracing library interactions.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating interposing libraries from a function specification file, which translates function calls between different operating systems, allowing applications compiled for one OS to execute on another OS without an executing copy of the original OS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an application is compiled for a specific operating system, then it can execute efficiently on that OS, but it cannot execute on different operating systems without an executing copy of the original OS
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an interposing library that acts as an intermediary between the application and the host operating system. This library translates function calls from the target OS API to the host OS API, enabling the application to execute on a different OS without requiring an executing copy of the original OS. The interposing library serves as a mediator that handles the incompatibility between different OS environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the target operating system's library functions in the form of an interposing library. This copied library contains translated versions of the target OS functions that call the corresponding host OS functions, allowing the application to interact with a simulated target OS environment without actually running the target OS.
2Adaptability or versatility
If function calls are translated between different operating systems, then cross-platform execution is enabled, but tracing and debugging of library calls becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The interposing library serves as a tracing intermediary that logs all function calls between the application and the host operating system. By positioning the library in the call chain, it can capture and record function call parameters, return values, and execution flow, making debugging and analysis possible despite the translation layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The interposing library automatically generates trace information and debugging data as part of its translation function. It self-services the debugging requirement by incorporating logging capabilities directly into the translation mechanism, eliminating the need for separate tracing infrastructure.
3Manufacturing precision
If interposing libraries are manually created for each function, then translation accuracy is high, but the development time and effort are excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically generates interposing libraries by analyzing the application's function calls and creating the necessary translation code. This self-service approach to library generation maintains translation accuracy while dramatically reducing development time and effort compared to manual creation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the application to identify required function translations before generating the interposing library. This preliminary action ensures that all necessary functions are captured with accurate translations while automating the tedious manual creation process.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for storing a function specification file is described. In an exemplary method, the function specification field is capable for providing other software to facilitate execution of an application in a second operating system with the presence of a first operating system and the application is compiled for the first operating system. In another exemplary method, a preprocessor receives the function specification file comprising function definition data for a library function. The preprocessor processes the function definition data to generate header information and function code for the function. In another exemplary method, the preprocessor generates an automatic logging framework for the interposing library based on the function definition data. Further, a function in an interposing library logs calls to a corresponding library function.