Importance

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Abstract

A system and method for configuring and executing a flexible computer program on a data processing system. The present invention introduces a modifiable construct known as a component interface that can be linked to other component interfaces to specify a computer program. The mechanism for linking and unlinking component interfaces is easy to use and can accommodate component interfaces that are only partially specified. This enables specification of a component interface to be deferred, leading to the following useful consequences: i) component interfaces can be used to represent queries with parameters that are not specified until a context is established, and ii) component interfaces can be organized with varying levels of generality. Component interfaces also permit a 'division of expertise' whereby those with expert knowledge may configure application components for use by others. Viewing, modifying, and combining of component interfaces may be performed using a visual component manager. An execution manager operating on the processor reads the component interfaces, creates executable software components (called dynamic objects under the preferred embodiment), and causes them to interact while dynamically maintaining the relationships specified in the component interfaces. The present invention makes it possible for customized computer programs to be configured without the generation of new source code, thereby reducing the incidence of programming errors. By providing a documentation capability and allowing user-experts to interact directly with component interfaces, the present invention eliminates much of the communication problems that have plagued software development under the prior art.

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First Claim