Subscription File Mechanism for Offline Data Caching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional APIs for connecting client systems to external data sources do not support offline access and automated data retrieval or synchronization, limiting user interactions with external data in disconnected scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A subscription file mechanism is introduced on the client system, enabling automated retrieval and synchronization of external data through methods like read, query, explicit identity, and association, allowing offline access and caching of data without relying on specialized APIs from external systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional APIs are used to connect client systems to external data sources, then online data retrieval is enabled, but offline access and automated data synchronization are not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data retrieval and caching operations when connected to the external system. Subscription files are configured to automatically retrieve and cache external data in advance, storing it in a local cache database before disconnection occurs. This allows the client system to access cached data offline without requiring real-time connection to external APIs.
Solution Approach 2:
A local cache database serves as an intermediary between the external data sources and the client applications. The cache stores copies of external data and enables automated synchronization by comparing cached data with external system data, resolving conflicts, and updating local copies without requiring continuous API connections.
2Extent of automation
If conventional APIs are used for data retrieval, then online data access is achieved, but automated user-defined retrieval processes are not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The subscription file mechanism enables automated, self-service data retrieval and synchronization. Once configured, the system automatically executes predefined queries against external systems, retrieves data based on subscription criteria, and synchronizes caches without requiring manual API calls or complex programming. The automated process handles data retrieval, caching, and conflict resolution independently.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional APIs are used for data access, then online connectivity is required, but user-defined synchronization processes cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The local cache database acts as an intermediary that enables automated bidirectional synchronization between external systems and client applications. The cache stores version information and change tracking data, allowing the system to automatically detect updates, resolve conflicts, and synchronize data without manual intervention or complex API orchestration.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization mechanism incorporates feedback loops that continuously monitor changes in both external systems and local caches. When disconnections occur, the system uses feedback from change tracking data to determine what needs to be synchronized upon reconnection, automatically resolving conflicts based on predefined rules without requiring complex user-defined processes.
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies are described herein for integrating external data from an external system into a client system. A subscription filed is selected. The subscription filed may include a read method and a query method. The read method may define fields of a client cache operating on the client system. The query method may be executed to retrieve, from the external system, field values corresponding to at least a subset of the fields. Upon executing the query method, the read method may also be executed to retrieve, from the external system, additional field values corresponding to a remaining subset of the fields that were not retrieved by executing the query method. The client cache is populated with the field values and the additional field values according to the fields.