Java Object Comparison Utility Using Recursive Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In object-oriented software, particularly in JAVA, there is no universally defined method to differentiate between two objects of the same class, limiting the ability to compare and display differences effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that compares JAVA objects by using equality methods like Comparable.compareTo() or Objects.equals() to identify differences, which are then stored in an XML document, allowing for human-readable representation by recursively invoking get() methods and transforming the XML into web pages using XSL.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If JAVA equality methods (Comparable.compareTo() or Objects.equals()) are used to compare objects, then the comparison can be performed, but there is no universally defined method to determine differences between objects of the same class
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal comparison utility that works across all JAVA objects regardless of their specific class. The utility employs reflective programming techniques to dynamically access fields and methods of any object type, providing a single comparison mechanism that adapts to different object structures without requiring class-specific implementation details.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary XML representation layer between the JAVA objects and the comparison results. Objects are first converted to XML representations, then compared, and differences are output as human-readable XML. This intermediary layer simplifies the comparison process by providing a standardized format that bridges the gap between raw JAVA objects and human-readable differences.
2Loss of information
If the full Class hierarchy is described to show context of field differences, then comprehensive comparison information is provided, but the output complexity and data volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the Class hierarchy into manageable portions by only including parent classes that are actually relevant to the comparison. Instead of always displaying the complete hierarchy, the utility dynamically determines which parent classes to include based on the objects being compared, reducing output complexity while maintaining necessary contextual information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by customizing the comparison output to match the specific needs of the objects being compared. The XML representation and difference output are tailored to the actual class structure and fields of the objects, rather than using a generic fixed format. This allows comprehensive information to be provided only where relevant to the specific comparison scenario.
Data Source
AI summary
A utility for comparing two objects in an object-oriented operating system that also records the differences so that they may be put into human-readable form. In one exemplary embodiment of this invention, two JAVA objects are compared by calling one of the equality methods. If the selected equality method indicates that there is a difference between the two objects, then get . . . ( ) methods of each object are invoked in turn. The results get . . . ( ) methods are compared. If there are differences, the differences are stored in an XML document. The get . . . ( ) method is recursively invoked until the Class of the result has no more get . . . ( ) methods to decompose.