Low-Code Platform Step Macros and Metaprogramming

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing low-code development platforms inadequately interpret and display source code schematically in user interfaces, limiting user interaction and application development efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented low-code development platform with a user interface that utilizes step macros, generating executable code through a step configuration generator and execution code generator, incorporating metaprogramming components to interpret user-configurable data points and produce compiled step files, allowing for visual configuration and interconnection of flow graphs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional hand coding is used, then programming precision and control are maintained, but development time and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication development speedVSAvoidplatform complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The platform segments the code generation process into distinct modular components: step macros define individual operational units, flow graphs organize these units into executable sequences, and metaprogramming components handle code synthesis. This segmentation allows users to work with manageable building blocks while the system manages the complexity of assembling them into complete applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary metaprogramming component that acts as a mediator between the visual configuration layer (step macros and flow graphs) and the executable code layer. This intermediary automatically translates user-friendly visual definitions into production-ready code, eliminating the need for users to directly write or manage complex code while maintaining high development speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If visual configuration interfaces are simplified for broader user access, then ease of operation improves, but code interpretation and display capabilities deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interface accessibilityVSAvoidcode logic visualization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a new dimension to code representation by displaying generated code alongside the visual flow graph in a synchronized manner. Users can view both the visual configuration and the corresponding code structure simultaneously, allowing them to understand the logic flow without leaving the visual interface. This multi-dimensional presentation preserves code logic visibility while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the visual flow graph and code display are dynamically synchronized. When users modify step macros or flow connections in the visual interface, the corresponding code representation updates automatically to reflect changes. This real-time feedback ensures users maintain accurate understanding of code logic while working with simplified visual tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11561772B2Low-code development platform
Publication Date: 2023.01.24 TRIXTA INC
  • US11561772B2 patent drawing
  • US11561772B2 patent drawing
  • US11561772B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer-implemented low-code development platform is provided including a user interface and having access to a library of step macros configured for user configuration and interconnection via the user interface to generate executable code. Each step macro includes a step configuration generator and an execution code generator. The step configuration generator is configured to generate a step configuration file based on user-configurable data points configurable via the user interface. The execution code generator is configured to generate executable code in the form of a compiled step file configured for storage in memory and execution by a processor of a computing system. The execution code generator receives and inputs the step configuration file into a metaprogramming component configured to interpret the user-configurable data points of the step configuration file and to generate and output the compiled step file.