Importance

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Abstract

Methods and apparatus for dynamic runtime partitioning of network-based client/server applications using a Model-View-Controller pattern are provided. Such dynamic partitioning is accomplished by requiring that the application specify: (i) that access to the Model be done through an application programming interface (API) which allows the system runtime to dynamically allocate and access Model storage on the client and/or server; and (ii) that access to the View be done through an API which allows the system runtime to dynamically allocate and access View components on the client and/or server. This enables applications written and tested in such a manner (referred to herein as the 'canonical form') to execute in a non-distributed mode or in a dynamically partitioned mode in which client/server issues are not a factor. This greatly facilitates development of the application. Furthermore, by specifying View components in an abstract, or 'platform-independent' API, the application can run on multiple client devices without modifying the application. All that is required is a platform-specific implementation of the View components' API. Client platforms for the application can thus include, for example, applets, HTML browsers, and PDAs.

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First Claim