Platform-Specific Porting Layer for Multi-Level Software Stacks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for creating platform-specific applications require complex instructions and can be challenging due to the distribution of source code across multiple files, making it difficult to identify and maintain platform-dependent and platform-independent portions, which complicates the process of updating and maintaining the source code.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that provide a platform-dependent porting layer by receiving generic source code, determining the target platform's type and capabilities, and compiling a porting layer with platform-specific instructions, allowing the same source code to run on multiple devices and operating systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If platform-specific applications are created using make file instructions and conditional compilation, then executable code can be tailored to specific platforms, but the process becomes complicated and challenging to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the software into distinct layers: a platform-independent upper layer containing generic source code, and a porting layer containing platform-specific instructions. This segmentation allows the generic source code to remain unchanged across platforms while the porting layer handles platform-specific variations, thereby maintaining platform compatibility without complicating the build process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a porting layer as an intermediary between the generic source code and the target platform. This porting layer acts as a mediator that translates generic instructions into platform-specific operations, enabling the same generic source code to run on multiple platforms without requiring complex conditional compilation or make file instructions for each platform.
2Adaptability or versatility
If source code is distributed across many files, then platform-specific and platform-independent portions can be separated, but it becomes difficult to identify and maintain the source code
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments source code into two distinct categories: generic source code that is platform-independent and porting layer code that is platform-specific. By clearly separating these portions and organizing them in distinct files or directories, the patent makes it easier to identify and maintain platform-independent code without having to search through multiple scattered files.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts platform-specific instructions from the generic source code and places them in a separate porting layer. This extraction process isolates platform dependencies, allowing developers to maintain the generic source code without worrying about platform-specific variations, thereby improving source code maintainability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If platform-specific instructions are embedded throughout source code files, then platform-specific functionality can be implemented, but updating and maintaining the source code becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts all platform-specific instructions from the generic source code and consolidates them in a dedicated porting layer. This extraction allows platform-specific functionality to be implemented while keeping the generic source code clean and free of platform dependencies, making updates and maintenance significantly easier.
Solution Approach 2:
The porting layer serves as an intermediary that handles all platform-specific functionality. By routing platform-specific operations through this layer, the patent enables platform-specific functionality to be implemented without embedding platform-specific code throughout the source code files, thereby simplifying source code updates and maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a platform-dependent porting layer. The method includes receiving source code, provided by a user, comprising a plurality of generic instructions. The method includes determining a platform type of a target platform for executing the source code. The method includes retrieving, based on the platform type, a porting layer, associated with the target platform, comprising a plurality of platform-specific instructions. The method includes mapping each generic instruction of the plurality of generic instructions to a platform-specific instruction of the plurality of platform-specific instructions.