Abstract: A method and system for processing a text file in a computer application. The method comprises the steps of forming a template from fragments of the text file; using the template as an overlay for parsing incoming files, or as a prototype to generate a segment of an output file; and using a macro class to map data from the text file to an application. The macro class is embedded as a keyword within the template, so that when the template reaches the keyword, the template calls the macro class to further process the text file. The macro class may be used to reads in a segment of the text file and to use the segment to initiate application update processing. Also, the macro class may be used to derive data from the application and to format it into the text file. Preferably, an interface controller is provided to prevent structure clashes by placing text data into appropriate places in a complex object structure as the text file is processed.

Abstract: A uniform strategy for the general problem of providing customer editors and initialization strings for beans (all “dynabeans” inherit from a common bean class that incorporates this strategy). This is then extended to allow the initialization strings to be stored in a relational database. With this approach, many changes to the application can be handled by adjusting the database version of the bean definition, without a need to touch the underlying code. This reduces down time for the application, and also improves application stability.

Abstract: A method and system for processing a text file in a computer application. The method comprises the steps of forming a template from fragments of the text file; using the template as an overlay for parsing incoming files, or as a prototype to generate a segment of an output file; and using a macro class to map data from the text file to an application. The macro class is embedded as a keyword within the template, so that when the template reaches the keyword, the template calls the macro class to further process the text file. The macro class may be used to reads in a segment of the text file and to use the segment to initiate application update processing. Also, the macro class may be used to derive data from the application and to format it into the text file. Preferably, an interface controller is provided to prevent structure clashes by placing text data into appropriate places in a complex object structure as the text file is processed.

Abstract: A method and system for processing a text file in a computer application. The method comprises the steps of forming a template from fragments of the text file; using the template as an overlay for parsing incoming files, or as a prototype to generate a segment of an output file; and using a macro class to map data from the text file to an application. The macro class is embedded as a keyword within the template, so that when the template reaches the keyword, the template calls the macro class to further process the text file. The macro class may be used to reads in a segment of the text file and to use the segment to initiate application update processing. Also, the macro class may be used to derive data from the application and to format it into the text file. Preferably, an interface controller is provided to prevent structure clashes by placing text data into appropriate places in a complex object structure as the text file is processed.

Abstract: A uniform strategy for the general problem of providing custom editors and initialization strings for beans (all “dynabeans” inherit from a common bean class that incorporates this strategy. This is then extended to allow the initialization strings to be stored in a relational database. The database function is a extension of the function provided by VisualAge Persistence Builder (using some of the EADP extensions). An important advantage of this approach is that many changes to the application can now be handled by adjusting the database version of the bean definition, without a need to touch the underlying code. This will reduce down time for the application, and also improve application stability.

Abstract: An object oriented computing system in an object oriented computing platform environment. The computing system comprises a computing platform, and a plurality of objects residing on said computing platform. Each of these objects includes an object frame containing data attributes and at least one object method which performs actions on the associated object. The objects are arranged in an inheritance hierarchy of objects to define parent and child objects, such that child objects inherit the data attributes and methods of parent objects, and to further define objects in the inheritance hierarchy which are unrelated as parent and child objects, such that unrelated objects do not inherit the data attributes and method of each other. Visual support means are provided to display visually predefined aspects of the objects and complex objects.

Abstract: A “helpHelper” bean is attached (using the VisualAge visual editor) to a panel for which help is to be provided. The custom editor for the helpHelper bean brings up the target panel, along with a help editor panel that shows which component of the target panel is selected, allowing help for that part to be assigned. At run time, the helpHelper bean listens to which part of the panel is selected, and brings up the help for that part when it is requested (if F9 is hit). The runtime help can also operate in “hover” mode. This offers a very simple and convenient way to add the help for the panel, and it also makes delivery of the help an integral part of the application, so that it does not require anything apart from the Java code to display the help.

Abstract: A mechanism to isolate and externalize the definition of business rules, and to support them using visual programming techniques (special editors for Java beans). This means that the rules can be set up by a business expert who does not need specialized programming skills. In addition, the Java beans are preferably implemented as dynamic Java beans.