Graphical Widget Layout Management in Rapid Application Development
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rapid application development (RAD) tools for cloud-based data-driven applications require programming proficiency and complex client-based installations, making them difficult for non-technical users and time-consuming, with a lack of real-time development and testing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A software architecture and development environment that uses graphical user interface (GUI) functions to enable individuals with little programming experience to develop dynamic web sites with persistent data storage, allowing for real-time modification and testing of cloud-based applications without compiling or linking, and allowing the same environment to be used for both development and execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing RAD tools are used to develop cloud-based applications, then programming capability and database management capability are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because non-technical users cannot use them
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional programming-based development mechanisms with a graphical user interface system. Users interact with visual elements (drag-and-drop widgets, form designers, layout managers) instead of writing code, substituting mechanical programming actions with graphical manipulation actions. This allows non-technical users to develop cloud applications while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a graphical development environment as an intermediary layer between the user and the underlying programming/database systems. This intermediary translates simple graphical actions into complex programming operations automatically, hiding the complexity of code generation and database management while providing intuitive visual controls to users.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing RAD tools are used, then development functionality is improved, but device complexity deteriorates due to large client-based applications requiring download and installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the development environment from a standalone complex client application and integrates it into a web-based system. The RAD tool functionality is taken out of the traditional installation package and delivered as a web service, eliminating the need for large downloads and installations while maintaining full development capabilities in the browser.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal development environment that runs in any modern web browser without requiring installation or specific hardware configurations. The same graphical interface and development tools work across different operating systems and devices, providing multi-functional access to cloud application development through a single web-based platform.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional development processes are used, then application creation is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming compilation, linking, and deployment steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous development and testing cycles by eliminating the interruption caused by compilation and linking steps. The graphical interface allows users to make changes and see results immediately in real-time preview mode, creating an unbroken workflow where design, test, and modify actions can be performed continuously without waiting for build processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary compilation and deployment actions automatically in the background without requiring user initiation. The system pre-compiles widgets and automatically manages deployment to cloud services, so when users complete their graphical design, the application is already prepared and deployed, eliminating manual build and deployment steps.
4Adaptability or versatility
If design changes are made in traditional development environments, then application functionality is improved, but loss of time increases due to required recompilation and redeployment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements immediate visual feedback when users make design changes. The real-time preview mode continuously updates the application display to reflect current design state, providing instant feedback without requiring compilation cycles. Users can see the effect of their changes immediately and adjust accordingly, creating a rapid iterative design process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the development system dynamic by allowing live updates and real-time changes to the application during the development process. The graphical interface and preview mode dynamically adjust to reflect current design state, enabling users to modify widgets, layouts, and functionality at any point without static compilation barriers, making the entire process fluid and adaptable.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes providing, via a computing device, a graphical development environment depicting, via a user interface, a representation of one or more pages and widgets, each of the widgets including characteristics. The method also includes receiving, via the computing device, a selection in the user interface of at least two of the widgets to include in a compound widget. The method also includes, responsive to receiving a first instruction to create the compound widget, creating, by the computing device, the compound widget using the selected at least two of the widget. The compound widget includes the characteristics of each of the selected at least two of the widgets. The method also includes, responsive to receiving a second instruction to instantiate the compound widget at least once in the representation of the one or more pages, instantiating the compound widget in the representation of the one or more pages.