Programming Language Trigger for Parallel Async Enumerations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current programming languages and frameworks do not support the straightforward combination of parallel and asynchronous programming approaches, leading to complexity and increased risk of bugs and deadlocks when trying to execute tasks in both modes simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A trigger mechanism, such as a single keyword or line of code, is introduced to enable logic operations to be performed asynchronously and in parallel, allowing tasks to be processed by multiple resources and returned as a stream of results, simplifying the design and implementation of programs that operate in both asynchronous and parallel fashion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If parallel programming is used to distribute tasks between multiple compute resources, then productivity and resource utilization are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexecution speedVSAvoidprogramming complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary language construct (async/await pattern) that mediates between the programmer and the complex parallel execution model. This intermediary abstraction allows programmers to write sequential-looking code that automatically executes in parallel, hiding the complexity of thread management and synchronization while maintaining high productivity benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical, manual system of managing parallel execution with a language-level automated system. Instead of requiring programmers to manually manage threads, locks, and synchronization primitives, the language compiler or runtime automatically handles these complexities based on simple language constructs, substituting a complex mechanical management system with an automated linguistic one

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If asynchronous programming is used to enable non-blocking concurrent task execution, then resource utilization is improved, but device complexity and risk of bugs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidprogramming complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The async/await pattern serves as an intermediary that simplifies asynchronous programming by providing a sequential syntax for asynchronous operations. This intermediary abstraction eliminates the need for complex callback chains or promise management while maintaining non-blocking execution, thereby improving resource utilization without proportionally increasing programming complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the traditional asynchronous programming model where callbacks or futures were used to handle concurrent operations. Instead of requiring programmers to think in terms of non-blocking, event-driven code, the language allows sequential-style code to express asynchronous operations, reversing the expected approach and greatly simplifying the programming model

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Productivity

If both parallel and asynchronous programming approaches are combined, then productivity and resource utilization are improved, but device complexity and reliability worsen due to increased difficulty in avoiding bugs and deadlocks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexecution speedVSAvoidbug-free execution

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The async/await language construct acts as a mediator that combines parallel and asynchronous execution models while eliminating their individual weaknesses. This intermediary pattern provides automatic synchronization and exception handling that prevents deadlocks and race conditions, enabling both high-speed parallel execution and reliable bug-free operation simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the benefits of parallel programming (speed) and asynchronous programming (resource utilization) into a unified language construct. This combination eliminates the need to choose between the two approaches while avoiding their individual pitfalls through integrated compiler or runtime support that automatically manages the complexities of both models working together

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11645082B2Programming language trigger mechanisms for parallel asynchronous enumerations

Publication Date: 2023.05.09 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Embodiments described herein are directed to a programming language trigger mechanism. The trigger mechanism is a small piece of code that a software developer utilizes in a computer program. The trigger mechanism enables computing operations or tasks to be performed asynchronously and in a parallel fashion. In particular, logic (e.g., operations or tasks) associated with the trigger mechanism are provided to a plurality of resources for processing in parallel. Each resource asynchronously processes the task provided thereto and asynchronously provides the result. The results are asynchronously returned as an enumeration. The enumeration enables the software developer to enumerate through the returned elements as a simple stream of results as they are calculated.