Decoupling Validation Logic from Software Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software applications face challenges in efficiently managing data validation, as it is often tightly coupled with the application itself, making it difficult to change validation rules in response to evolving business requirements without modifying the software.
Innovation Solution
A rule-driven validation framework that decouples validation logic from the software application, using a validation rule book and manager to validate data values entered into input fields, allowing for changes in validation rules without altering the application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data validation is tightly coupled to the software application, then the validation logic is integrated and easy to implement, but the software application cannot adapt to changing business requirements without modification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the validation system into separate components: a validation rule book containing validation rules, a validation manager that executes the rules, and the software application that uses the validation services. This segmentation allows the validation logic to be independently modified without changing the application code, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the validation logic from the software application and places it in an external validation rule book. The validation rules are stored separately and can be modified without altering the application itself. This extraction enables the system to adapt to changing business requirements by simply updating the validation rules rather than modifying the application code.
2Adaptability or versatility
If data validation is hard coded into the software application, then the validation is reliable and consistent, but any change in validation requirements requires software modification and redeployment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic validation rules that can be modified at runtime without requiring software re compilation or redeployment. The validation rule book stores validation criteria in a flexible format that allows business users to update rules as needed. This dynamic approach provides both flexibility for changing requirements and ease of maintenance, as updates can be made without involving software developers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a validation manager as an intermediary between the software application and the validation rules. This mediator layer allows the application to remain unchanged while the validation rules in the rule book can be easily modified. The validation manager handles the complexity of rule management, providing ease of maintenance while maintaining flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If validation rules are stored externally in a validation rule book, then changes can be made without modifying the application, but the system requires additional components and infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal validation framework that can be applied across multiple software applications through a common validation manager and rule book infrastructure. This multi-functional system handles various types of validation rules (numeric, date/time, custom business rules) through a unified architecture. While the initial setup requires additional components, the universal design reduces long-term complexity by providing a standardized approach that can be reused across different applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for validating a data value, the method including receiving a data value entered into an input field of a software application, obtaining a validation rule corresponding to the input field from a validation rule book, executing the validation rule to determine a validation result, and returning the validation result to the software application.