Root Cause Analysis for Web Applications via Invisible Content Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current content management systems lack efficient methods for identifying the root cause of errors, particularly in distributed architectures, where low-level error codes require costly and time-consuming debugging to connect to high-level content updates, without automated support for linking low-level exceptions to high-level content management operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that store identifiers and version numbers for digital content items, invisibly include them in web pages, and create error records with fingerprint data when execution errors occur, allowing for automatic root cause analysis by linking low-level errors to high-level content management operations, and enabling predictive error prevention through cognitive computing and text mining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual debugging methods are used to connect low-level error codes to high-level content updates, then error identification can be achieved, but the process becomes costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by embedding tracking identifiers and version numbers in content items before deployment. When errors occur, these pre-placed markers enable automatic correlation between low-level errors and high-level content updates, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual debugging traceability work.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces intermediary elements (tracking identifiers, version numbers, and fingerprint data) that mediate between low-level error codes and high-level content management operations. These intermediaries automatically link errors to their source content, replacing manual debugging processes with automated correlation mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If distributed architecture is used for content management systems, then system scalability and flexibility are improved, but the complexity of tracing errors to their source increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the error tracing problem by assigning unique tracking identifiers and version numbers to individual content items. This segmentation allows distributed error tracking across multiple system components without requiring complex centralized coordination, as each segment (content item) carries its own identification markers.
Solution Approach 2:
Intermediary tracking data structures are introduced to bridge distributed system components. These intermediaries carry fingerprint data and version information through the distributed architecture, enabling error source identification without increasing architectural complexity.
3Productivity
If automated error tracking systems are implemented, then debugging efficiency is improved, but the system complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates lightweight copies of essential identification data (tracking identifiers, version numbers) and embeds them directly in content items and requests. This copying approach enables automated error tracking without requiring complex centralized databases or extensive system modifications, as the tracking information is self-contained in the data flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The error tracking system operates autonomously by automatically capturing fingerprint data, correlating errors with content items, and generating error records without human intervention. The system serves itself by using the embedded identifiers to automatically trace errors back to their source, eliminating the need for manual debugging while adding minimal system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for enabling a root cause analysis for an error originating in a content management system, is provided herein. The method comprises storing an identifier and a version number for each digital content item undergoing a change relating to the digital content item, and rendering a web page including the digital content item. The identifier and the version number are invisibly included in the web page. The method also comprises including the identifier and the version number in a request based on the rendered web page including the digital content item, storing fingerprint data relating to the request, creating an error record if during an execution of the request an execution error occurs, and making available the error record, the identifier and the version number of the related digital content item, as well as the related fingerprint data.