Abstract: A method, computer program product, and data processing system for automatically validating a GUI for accessibility are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a markup language, such as XML, is utilized to specify a set of declarative validation rules to be applied to components in an object-oriented GUI. GUI validation code is generated from the XML rules. This GUI validation code is incorporated into the software to be validated using aspect-oriented programming to insert the validation code at the point(s) in the software where the GUI is generated and/or rendered. When the software is executed and the GUI generated, the validation code is executed to verify that each component in the GUI hierarchy complies with the specified accessibility rules. The results of the validation are then reported to the developer.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and data processing system for generating GUI code from a declarative specification is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a markup language, such as XML, is utilized to specify the hierarchical structure of an object-oriented GUI and the various attributes of its components. Additional special-purpose attributes and/or nested markup tags corresponding to particular types of event handlers and events are used to embed lines of non-markup program code (typically imperative program code) within the XML document. To produce the program code for the GUI, the XML document is processed and instructions for constructing the GUI to the XML document's specifications are generated. The embedded non-markup program code is formed into event handlers in the generated output program code, which are associated, in the output program code, with the GUI components to which they correspond.

Abstract: An apparatus, a method, and a computer program are provided to enable an engine to employ a plurality of architectures in building and rendering a hierarchical structure, such as a Graphical User Interface (GUI). Currently, engines are typically hard coded to employ a single architecture, thus, requiring the engine to be architecturally specific. However, with the variety of architectures that exist and that are in use, it is useful to have an engine that can interact with many architectures. Therefore, an engine is provided with an interface that allows for interaction with many architectures while maintaining an engine that is architecturally neutral.

Abstract: A method, a computer program, and an apparatus are provided for building a hierarchical data tree. Typically, hierarchical trees are utilized in building Graphic User Interfaces. However, there are a variety of other uses. During the process of building, a rendering engine is employed to develop the tree, but some objects, attributes, or tags may not be identifiable to the rendering engine. In such cases, a reflection engine can be employed to identify the unidentifiable operational elements. The combination of a rendering engine with a reflection engine allows for increased flexibility in designing a hierarchical tree without the rigors of handwriting a large number of lines of code.