Visual Editor for REST API Connector Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Developers face challenges in efficiently and accurately creating, using, and deploying process-based software applications due to the need for in-depth knowledge of REST services and interface description languages like WADL, YAML, and RAML, which complicates the process of coding and configuring REST API interactions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that models a REST interface using a flat structure, allowing developers to specify REST interfaces through a user-friendly UI without manual coding, automatically generating interface descriptions in languages like RAML, YAML, or WADL, enabling the creation of REST API connectors that simplify interactions with process-based software applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If developers manually code interface descriptions using WADL, YAML, or RAML files to configure REST services, then the precision and control over API interactions is improved, but the complexity of the development process and the knowledge required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a visual editor interface as an intermediary between the developer and the complex interface description languages. This mediator automatically generates, validates, and manages WADL, YAML, or RAML files based on user-friendly visual inputs, thereby maintaining precision while reducing complexity and knowledge requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates and manages copies of interface descriptions in multiple formats (WADL, YAML, RAML) automatically through the visual editor. Developers work with simplified visual representations while the system maintains and synchronizes the formal interface description copies, reducing the need for developers to directly manipulate complex language files.
2Manufacturing precision
If developers use detailed interface description languages like WADL, YAML, and RAML to define REST services, then the accuracy and completeness of service specifications is improved, but the ease of operation and accessibility to developers decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The visual editor serves as an intermediary that translates between simple visual configurations and detailed interface descriptions. It automatically generates accurate WADL, YAML, or RAML files from user-friendly visual inputs while validating the specifications, thereby maintaining accuracy while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of writing and managing complex interface description languages with an automated visual editing system. This substitution eliminates the need for developers to manually code WADL, YAML, or RAML files, making the process accessible to developers without specialized knowledge while maintaining specification accuracy.
3Reliability
If developers manually configure and code REST API interactions with process-based software applications, then the reliability and correctness of integrations is improved, but the productivity and speed of development decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The visual editor performs preliminary actions by automatically generating, validating, and preparing interface description files before deployment. It pre-configures REST API interactions with process-based software applications, ensuring correctness upfront while accelerating the development process by eliminating manual coding and validation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service capabilities by automatically generating and managing interface descriptions without requiring manual intervention for complex configurations. The visual editor handles the generation of WADL, YAML, or RAML files, validation of specifications, and integration setup autonomously, thereby improving both reliability and productivity.
4Manufacturing precision
If developers directly work with interface description languages to create REST connectors, then the precision of connector functionality is improved, but the ease of manufacture and onboarding of new developers decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The visual editor acts as an intermediary that shields developers from the complexity of interface description languages while maintaining precision. It automatically generates accurate WADL, YAML, or RAML files from visual configurations, enabling new developers to create precise REST connectors without needing to learn complex languages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates and manages copies of interface descriptions in formal languages automatically. Developers work with simplified visual representations while the system maintains precise formal language copies, thereby improving ease of manufacture without sacrificing functional precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Resource-to-operation pairs are received at a user interface. The resource-to-operation pairs are stored in a model abstraction as a flat structure. The resource-to-operation pairs in the flat structure are converted into Representational State Transfer (REST) connectors. The REST connectors are encoded in a conventional interface description language. The REST connectors are stored in webpage code. A request is received at the webpage code from the client system for a service of a process step of the process-based software application. A REST connector in the webpage code translates the request to a message that conforms with the service. A response from the service is received at the webpage code. The response from the service is processed at the webpage code. Data retrieved by the processing of the response is accessed via a browser located at the client system.