Language-Neutral Package Schema for Cross-Language Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems face challenges in specifying and managing desired state configurations across different programming languages, making it cumbersome and error-prone.

Innovation Solution

A language-neutral schema is used to define and manage desired state configurations, generating documentation and wrappers for various programming languages, and utilizing a deployment engine to ensure the target environment conforms to the desired state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If language-specific configuration specifications are used, then programming flexibility is maintained, but system complexity and error-proneness increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a language-agnostic configuration specification as an intermediary layer between the target environment and multiple programming languages. This intermediary standardizes configuration data structures, validation rules, and semantics independently of any specific programming language, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining the ability to generate language-specific implementations through automated code generation tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If language-specific configuration specifications are used, then programming flexibility is maintained, but error-proneness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming flexibilityVSAvoiderror-proneness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enforces homogeneity by requiring all configuration specifications to conform to a unified language-agnostic data model with standardized schemas, validation rules, and semantic definitions. This homogeneous structure eliminates inconsistencies across different programming languages, reducing errors while preserving the ability to generate language-specific code through systematic translation processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

3Stability of the object's composition

If language-agnostic schema is used, then consistency across languages is improved, but programming flexibility may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration consistencyVSAvoidprogramming flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the configuration system into two distinct layers: a language-agnostic specification layer that ensures consistency through standardized schemas and validation rules, and language-specific implementation layers that maintain programming flexibility. This segmentation allows each layer to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other, as automated code generation tools translate the consistent schema into language-specific implementations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The language-agnostic configuration schema serves as a universal foundation that can be translated into multiple programming languages through automated code generation. This universal schema defines the core configuration structure, validation logic, and semantics in a language-independent manner, while the system maintains adaptability by generating language-specific wrappers and implementations that preserve programming flexibility in each target language.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Manufacturing precision

If manual configuration specification is used, then detailed control is achieved, but time consumption and labor intensity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration controlVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by establishing a standardized language-agnostic configuration schema and validation framework in advance. This pre-defined structure enables automated validation, code generation, and consistency checking, thereby maintaining detailed configuration control while significantly reducing the time and effort required for manual specification and verification across multiple programming languages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12504959B2Language-neutral package schema for a desired state configuration system

Publication Date: 2025.12.23 PULUMI CORP

AI summary

A desired state configuration system receives a package and a corresponding language-independent schema describing the package and its units. Using the schema, the desired state configuration system can generate wrapper code for each of the programming language supported by the desired state configuration system, the wrapper code simplifying calling of the package and its units from within application code written in those supported programming languages. The code of the package, when called, causes a change in the configuration of a target environment, such as a cloud computing environment.