Runtime Type Extension Through External Interface Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing runtime environments do not allow for dynamic extension of types without relying on the runtime itself, limiting the enhancement of capabilities over time.
Innovation Solution
An external component can extend a type managed by a runtime environment by supplying a subject interface and its implementation, allowing the interface to be used by other entities without waiting for the runtime to extend it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If types are statically defined by the runtime as immutable, then type stability and reliability are improved, but adaptability and ability to extend functionality are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the static, immutable type system into a dynamic one where types can be extended at runtime through interface casting. The runtime environment is modified to accept external interface definitions and dynamically cast them to existing types, allowing the system to adapt and evolve without compromising the core stability of originally defined types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (interface casting capability) that bridges the gap between immutable runtime types and the need for extension. This intermediary allows external components to supply interfaces that can be cast to existing types, enabling functionality extension without directly modifying the original type definitions or compromising runtime stability.
2Manufacturing precision
If the runtime environment maintains strict type definitions, then manufacturing precision and type safety are improved, but ease of manufacture and ability to add functionality are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The interface casting mechanism serves as an intermediary that preserves type safety while enabling functionality extension. External interfaces are cast to existing types through a controlled process that maintains type safety guarantees, allowing new functionality to be added without compromising the precision and safety of original type definitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing a formal interface casting mechanism before functionality extension is needed. This pre-established pathway allows external components to safely extend types without ad-hoc modifications, maintaining type safety while facilitating ease of functionality addition.
3Reliability
If types are immutable after runtime definition, then object-oriented principles and system reliability are improved, but productivity and development flexibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics into the previously static type system by enabling runtime interface casting. This allows the system to maintain reliability through controlled extension mechanisms while significantly improving productivity and development flexibility, as external components can now extend functionality without waiting for runtime updates or compromising system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface casting capability acts as an intermediary that reconciles the conflict between immutability and extensibility. It allows external components to supply and cast interfaces to existing types, enabling rapid development and flexibility while maintaining the reliability benefits of the original immutable type system through controlled, formal extension pathways.
Data Source
AI summary
Externally-initiated extension of a type that is managed by a runtime environment. As an example, third-party code that is not a runtime component may itself cause a type to be extended by causing a subject interface to be supplied to the type while also providing an implementation for that interface. The extension occurs by identifying a subject interface to supply to a type that is managed by the runtime environment, providing an implementation of the interface to the runtime environment, and instructing the runtime environment to supply the subject interface to the type using the implementation. The interface is thereafter available to computing entities that use the type.