Production Web UI Sandbox for Simulated Feature Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of software deployed in production environments often desire to test new or updated features without risking unintended changes to production data, and existing sandbox environments require users to switch between production and sandbox environments, complicating the testing process.
Innovation Solution
A simulated sandbox environment is integrated within the production environment, allowing users to access simulated features through a user interface without leaving the production application, using client-side frameworks to manipulate the DOM and provide simulated capabilities without affecting production data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate sandbox environment is provided for testing new features, then users can test features without risking production data, but users must switch between production and sandbox environments, complicating the testing process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sandbox environment with the production environment by embedding simulated features directly into the production application interface. Users can access both production and simulated features through a single unified interface, eliminating the need to switch between separate environments while maintaining data isolation and integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulated sandbox environment is nested within the production environment. The simulated features are embedded as iframes or embedded interfaces within the production application, allowing users to access simulation capabilities without leaving the production environment context.
2Reliability
If a separate sandbox environment is provided for testing new features, then data integrity is protected, but the complexity of the system increases due to multiple environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple environments into a single unified interface where production and simulated features coexist. This merging approach maintains data integrity through isolation mechanisms while reducing the structural complexity of having separate environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (simulated feature interface) that mediates between the production environment and the simulation capabilities. This intermediary allows users to interact with simulated features without directly accessing the production environment, maintaining isolation while simplifying the overall system structure.
3Ease of operation
If users test features directly in the production environment, then the testing process is simplified, but unintended changes to production data may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the production environment's interface and data structure within simulated features. Users interact with replicated functionality that mirrors production behavior without actually modifying production data, thus simplifying testing while preventing harmful changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulated feature interface acts as an intermediary layer that allows users to test features without direct access to production data. This intermediary prevents unintended changes to production data while maintaining the simplicity of the testing process.
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations(s) for simulated software features are described. Responsive to a request for accessing a first web page, first code for the first web page is caused to be retrieved from a first web application. Responsive to the first code, the first web page is caused to be displayed with an access to a simulation of a feature that may be used in the first web application. Responsive to a user's selection of the access, the first web page is caused to be updated to include a first user interface (UI) component that identifies a second web page; responsive to the updated first web page, second code for the second web page is caused to be retrieved from a second web application; and responsive to the second code, the second web page is caused to be displayed inside the first UI component to allow for the simulation.