Source Code Transformation via Pattern Matching and Automated Modification

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Solution Overview

Problem

The rapid proliferation of knowledge capsules in programming and data structures outpaces programmers' ability to assimilate, identify, and apply relevant code modifications, leading to inefficiencies and errors in manual dissemination and application processes.

Innovation Solution

A system for creating, generating, and distributing self-contained transformations, or 'knowledge capsules,' encoded in container files that include search patterns and transformation instructions, which can be automatically applied to source code files, leveraging a client computer with processing logic and a communication interface to identify and modify code segments based on these patterns and instructions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual dissemination and application of knowledge capsules is used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but productivity and accuracy deteriorate due to time consumption and errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of code updatesVSAvoidmanual effort required

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing knowledge capsules to automatically identify and apply transformations to source code without requiring manual intervention. The automated search and replace mechanism performs the code modification tasks that would otherwise require programmer time and expertise, directly resolving the contradiction between productivity improvement and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual process of code review, identification, and application with an automated computer-based system. The search and replace mechanism uses algorithmic processing to substitute the manual mechanical actions of programmers, thereby increasing productivity while reducing the ease of operation requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated search and replace tools are used, then productivity improves, but reliability deteriorates due to potential errors in search criteria specification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of knowledge capsule applicationVSAvoidaccuracy of code transformation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the automated search and replace process can be reviewed and validated. The feedback loop allows verification of search criteria and transformation results, ensuring reliability while maintaining the productivity benefits of automation. This resolves the contradiction by adding a validation layer to the automated process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary validation and testing of search criteria and transformation logic before actual code modification occurs. This preliminary action ensures that the automated process is reliable and accurate before it executes, thereby maintaining both high productivity and high reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If manual code review and application is performed, then precision and control are maintained, but loss of time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of code modificationVSAvoidtime for knowledge capsule assimilation and application

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The automated system enables continuous operation without interruption for manual review and application. The search and replace mechanism can continuously process knowledge capsules and apply them to code bases in real-time, eliminating the discontinuities introduced by manual review cycles. This maintains precision while dramatically reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary parsing, analysis, and preparation of code structures before actual modification occurs. This preliminary action enables the automated system to work with pre-processed information, maintaining the precision of manual review while eliminating the time-consuming manual process entirely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9213541B2Creation, generation, distribution and application of self-contained modifications to source code

Publication Date: 2015.12.15 SNOWFLAKE INC

AI summary

Systems for creating, generating, distributing and applying self-contained modifications (i.e., changes) to source code are described herein. At least some embodiments include a system including a client computer with processing logic, a storage device (including source code files), and a communication interface. The interface receives a container file including a transformation including a search pattern that identifies source code segments, and transformation instructions that modify the source code based at least partially on identified code segments. Processing logic software searches a representation of the source code for search pattern occurrences, and identifies the source code segments that include elements with structure and relationships that are matched by the corresponding elements represented by the search pattern. The software further modifies at least part of the source code representation according to the transformation instructions, and saves onto the storage device source code files reflecting the application of the transformation.