Remote Source Code Editing via Local Editor Plugin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Software development on remote network management platforms is challenging due to the cumbersome process of coordinating and managing various versions of source code files between local devices and remote platforms, and web-based editors often lack essential features like syntax highlighting and intelligent code completion.
Innovation Solution
A plugin for local source code editors that allows transparent access to remote files by using REST transactions to retrieve and manage files stored on a remote platform, providing features like syntax highlighting, formatting, and code completion, and enabling editing and saving of files with a seamless local experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If web-based source code editing facilities are used, then remote file editing capability is provided, but editing features are limited and lack advanced functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a plugin as an intermediary component that bridges the local source code editor and the remote network management platform. The plugin handles file retrieval, transmission, and synchronization operations, allowing the full-featured local editor to work with remote files without requiring the web editor to provide advanced features directly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a file copying mechanism where remote source code files are retrieved and copied to the local computing device for editing. The local editor works on the copied file while the plugin maintains synchronization with the remote version, enabling advanced editing features to be applied to remote files through the copy
2Adaptability or versatility
If local source code editing is used, then advanced editing features are available, but coordination and management of file versions between local device and remote platform becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic file synchronization where the plugin continuously monitors the local source code editor for changes and automatically transmits modified files back to the remote network management platform. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual version coordination by the developer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where the plugin monitors the local editor state, detects modifications, and automatically triggers file transmission to the remote platform. The system provides feedback about synchronization status and file changes, enabling automatic version management without manual intervention
3Ease of operation
If manual file transmission and storage coordination is used, then file editing on remote platform is possible, but the process becomes painstaking and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of file upload/download coordination with an automated software plugin that programmatically handles file transmission. The plugin uses automated detection and transmission mechanisms to replace error-prone manual operations
Solution Approach 2:
The plugin acts as an intermediary that manages the entire file transmission and coordination process between the local editor and remote platform, eliminating direct manual user involvement in file transfer operations and reducing human error
Data Source
AI summary
A computing system stores source code files in a hierarchy of database tables. A plugin, executable within a source code editor, is configured to: receive, by way of uniform resource locators (URLs) related to the computational instance, table names of the database tables, and file names of the source code files; cause the editor to display, on a first pane of a graphical user interface (GUI), a menu of the table and file names; receive a selection of a file name; receive, by way of a URL, a source code file with the file name; cause the editor to display, on a second pane of the GUI, an editable representation of the source code file; receive a command to store the source code file (which was modified by way of the second pane); and transmit, by way of the URL, the source code file as modified.