Visual Programming File Comparison via Node-Wise DOM Parsing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for comparing visual programming language files are inefficient, lacking a user interface, producing incoherent results, and not accessing the source code of Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) products, making them time-consuming and difficult to interpret.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented system with a user interface that authenticates users, extracts files from an intransient repository, performs node-by-node comparisons using a DOM parser, and generates reports in chosen formats, specifically designed for Flow and Record files with SSH2 encryption, addressing the inefficiencies and incoherence of traditional methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional methods are used to compare visual programming language files, then the comparison can be performed, but the time required increases significantly and the results become incoherent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the visual programming language files into hierarchical nodes (e.g., process nodes, decision nodes, terminal nodes) and compares them individually. This node-by-node comparison approach enables precise identification of differences while maintaining coherence, as each node's properties and connections are evaluated separately rather than treating the entire file as a monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that parses the visual programming language files into a standardized intermediate representation before comparison. This intermediary format normalizes the data structure, enabling coherent and efficient comparison while reducing the time required, as the standardized format eliminates the need to handle diverse file formats during the comparison process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional comparison methods are used, then file comparison is possible, but the application is limited to specific file categories and lacks user interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal comparison system that can handle multiple file types including Flow files, Record files, and other visual programming language files through a common node-based architecture. The system parses different file formats into a unified intermediate representation, enabling the same comparison logic to be applied across diverse file categories, thus achieving multi-functionality and broad adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediary parsing layer acts as a mediator that translates various file formats into a standardized internal representation. This allows the system to maintain ease of operation through a consistent user interface while supporting multiple file types, as the user interacts with a unified comparison mechanism regardless of the specific file format being compared.
3Loss of information
If manual file comparison is performed, then detailed analysis is possible, but the process becomes time-consuming and difficult to interpret
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the comparison into discrete node-level operations, the system retains detailed information about each node's properties, connections, and attributes while automating the process. Each node is evaluated independently, preserving granular comparison details that would be lost in holistic comparison approaches, while the automation eliminates the time burden of manual analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that present comparison results in a structured, interpretable format. The node-by-node comparison generates detailed reports that feedback to the user in an organized manner, making the results easy to interpret while the automated process maintains speed. The feedback includes specific information about which nodes differ and in what ways, preserving analytical depth without requiring manual effort.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented system for comparing at least two visual programming language files, the system comprising an intransient repository, a user interface, an authentication module, a menu driven selector module, an extractor module, a transient repository, a processor and a report generation module. A computer implemented method for comparing at least two visual programming language files, the method comprising the steps of verifying login credentials of a user, identifying a file type, identifying a file format, identifying file path to the files stored in an intransient repository, extracting files from the intransient repository, creating a copy each of the files in a transient repository, carrying out iterations of node-wise comparison between the files using a DOM parser and generating a report in a chosen file format.