Automated Patch Generation via Symbol Table Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating patch files in computer technology require manual compilation by programmers, which is inefficient and lacks automation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that acquire a first target file and a second target file with symbol tables, determine the differences between them, and generate a patch file based on these differences, automating the patch generation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual compilation method is used to generate patch files, then programmers can create accurate patches, but the process is inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically comparing symbol tables and generating patch files without requiring programmer intervention. The automated comparison mechanism analyzes the differences between old and new symbol tables, identifies changed symbols, and generates corresponding patch files autonomously, eliminating the need for manual compilation while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual compilation process with an automated computational system. Instead of programmers manually analyzing and creating patches, the system uses automated symbol table comparison algorithms to identify differences and generate patches, substituting human manual labor with machine-based automated processing.
2Productivity
If automated patch generation is implemented, then efficiency is improved, but the complexity of the generation process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patch generation process is segmented into distinct modular steps: acquiring the old symbol table, acquiring the new symbol table, comparing the two tables to identify difference symbols, and generating the patch file based on identified differences. This segmentation allows each step to be handled by specialized components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The symbol table serves as an intermediary structure that facilitates automated comparison between the old and new versions. By using the symbol table as a standardized intermediate representation, the system simplifies the comparison process and enables automated patch generation without requiring direct analysis of complex source code or binary files.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure disclose a method and apparatus for generating a patch file. A specific embodiment of the method comprises: acquiring a first target file for establishing a target process, the first target file comprising a first symbol table; acquiring a second target file compiled based on a target source code file, the second target file comprising a second symbol table; determining a difference symbol between the first target file and the second target file using the first symbol table and the second symbol table; and generating a patch file based on the difference symbol. The embodiment has enriched the way to generate a patch file.