Scripting Language Code Modification via Automated Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computer software development, modifying pre-existing programs written in scripting languages poses challenges as it often requires accessing the underlying source code, which can compromise confidentiality and intellectual property, especially when different developers are involved, leading to cumbersome nondisclosure agreements and security measures.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow modifying a pre-existing computer program in a scripting language without revealing the underlying source code, by minifying the code to obfuscate it and using pre-defined rules for merging plug-in bundles with the original program, ensuring confidentiality is maintained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the underlying source code of a pre-existing computer program is shared with modification authors, then the modification can be made accurately and reliably, but the confidentiality and intellectual property rights of the original source code are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automated merging system as an intermediary that receives the original source code and modification code separately, processes them through automated merging operations, and produces the final modified program. This intermediary system enables accurate modifications without requiring direct access to or sharing of the original source code, thus maintaining confidentiality while ensuring reliability through systematic merging processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the source code into modular components or units that can be independently processed. By segmenting the code, the system can apply modifications to specific segments without exposing the entire source code base, allowing accurate targeted modifications while preserving the confidentiality of the overall program structure and unrelated code sections
2Loss of information
If nondisclosure agreements and security precautions are implemented to protect source code confidentiality, then the intellectual property is safeguarded, but the development collaboration process becomes cumbersome and less scalable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service automated merging system that performs code integration, conflict resolution, and validation operations automatically without requiring manual security checks, legal agreements, or complex coordination between parties. The system handles the entire modification process autonomously, eliminating the need for cumbersome security precautions while maintaining source code confidentiality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual security procedures, legal agreements, and human coordination with an automated computational system. The automated merging software performs all necessary operations algorithmically, substituting complex human-managed security processes with streamlined computational operations that are both secure and scalable
3Adaptability or versatility
If the source code is made open-source to enable collaboration without NDAs, then collaboration becomes easier and more scalable, but all trade-secrets and commercial benefits are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The automated merging system acts as an intermediary that enables open collaboration while protecting trade secrets. Multiple collaborators can submit modifications through the system without ever seeing the original source code or each other's code, allowing scalable collaboration similar to open-source models while the intermediary ensures trade secrets remain confidential throughout the process
4Productivity
If multiple developers work on the same pre-existing computer program with access to source code, then collaboration and feature development are facilitated, but conflicts and coordination overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated merging system serves as an intermediary that coordinates multiple developers' contributions without requiring them to directly interact or manage conflicts manually. Each developer submits modifications independently, and the system automatically integrates them, resolving conflicts algorithmically and eliminating coordination overhead while maintaining high development productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automated merging operations that combine multiple independent code contributions into a unified modified program. The merging system handles integration, conflict resolution, and validation automatically, allowing multiple developers to work in parallel without increasing coordination complexity, thus maintaining productivity while simplifying the collaboration process
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and software for adding to, extending or otherwise modifying a pre-existing computer program, written in a scripting language, with a new source code, written in a scripting language, without the need to sham underlying source code of the pre-existing computer program or the newly modified source code.