Self-Extracting Program for Cross-File System ILE Execution
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a diverse file system landscape, integrating different computing systems poses challenges, particularly in transferring and running Integrated Language Environment (ILE) programs across systems with different file systems, as ILE programs cannot be directly transferred or executed between the library file system and the Integrated File System (IFS) without manual restoration.
Innovation Solution
The development of self-extracting programs that convert file system objects from one type to another, allowing execution on a second file system that cannot store the original type, enabling the storage and execution of ILE programs on a first file system by generating a self-extracting program that includes a generic loader and the converted objects, facilitating distribution and execution without requiring specific coding for each ILE program.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ILE programs are stored in the library file system, then they can be executed on the iSeries system, but they cannot be transferred to or executed from the IFS root file system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a self-extracting program as an intermediary that bridges the library file system and IFS root file system. This self-extracting program contains embedded ILE program objects and, when executed from the IFS, automatically extracts and converts these objects to the target file system format, enabling cross-file system program execution without direct transfer capability
Solution Approach 2:
The solution segments the program distribution process into distinct components: a self-extracting executable container, embedded ILE program objects, and a conversion/ extraction mechanism. This segmentation allows the program to be packaged in one file system format while automatically adapting to another file system during execution
2Reliability
If manual restoration processes are used to transfer ILE programs between file systems, then program compatibility is maintained, but operational complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The self-extracting program performs preliminary conversion and extraction actions automatically during the execution process. The program objects are pre-packaged in the self-extracting executable with all necessary conversion logic embedded, eliminating the need for manual restoration operations and reducing transfer time while maintaining compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The self-extracting program is self-sufficient, containing all necessary components and conversion logic within its structure. When executed, it automatically performs extraction, conversion, and setup operations without requiring external manual intervention, thereby maintaining reliability while significantly reducing the time and complexity associated with manual restoration processes
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, relating to transferring data in a diverse file system landscape. In one general aspect, a computer program product can cause a data processor to extract a first one or more file system objects from a self-extracting program, where the first file system objects include file system objects converted from a first type of file system object of a first file system to a second type of file system object of a second file system; and convert the first file system objects to file system objects in the first file system. The second file system can store file system objects of the second type and cannot store file system objects of the first type. The file systems can be the library and root file systems of IBM's iSeries computing system, and the self-extracting program can initiate execution of an Integrated Language Environment program.