Abstract: A system and method that incrementally transforms and renders changes to a hierarchical data file is disclosed. This system and method allows a user to incrementally see changes that the user has made to the hierarchical data file through entry of data in a rendered form. A hierarchical data processing engine aspect of this system and method performs partial transformations of data files and produces partial rendering files of changes made to data files. By so doing, the hierarchical data processing engine improves a user's editing experience by allowing for quicker updating of the rendered form being edited by the user.

Abstract: A system and method validating entry of data into a structured data file in real-time is described. The system and method also described a real-time validation tool that enables a developer to create custom validation rules. These custom validation rules can include preset validation rules, which the real-time validation tool enables a developer to create in an easy-to-use way.

Abstract: A system for adaptively solving sequential problems in a target system utilizing evolutionary computation techniques and in particular genetic algorithms and modified genetic algorithms. Stimuli to a target system such as a software system are represented as actions. A single sequence of actions is a chromosome. Chromosomes are generated by a goal-seeking algorithm that uses a hint database and recursion to intelligently and efficiently generate a robust chromosome population. The chromosomes are applied to the target system one action at a time and the change in properties of the target system is measured after each action is applied. A fitness rating is calculated for each chromosome based on the property changes produced in the target system by the chromosome. The fitness rating calculation is defined so that successive generations of chromosomes will converge upon desired characteristics. For example, desired characteristics for a software testing application are defect discovery and code coverage.