Adapter and handler framework for web server extensions

Details Adapter and handler framework for web server extensions Adapter and handler framework for web server extensions

1996-11-12

2001-05-15

Maung, Zarni (Department: 2755)

Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput

Computer-to-computer data routing

Least weight routing

C709S219000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06233622

ABSTRACT:

This patent document includes a microfiche appendix consisting of one microfiche having 32 frames.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a gateway application programming interface (API) between a World Wide Web (WWW) server and one or more computer programs external thereto, and more specifically, to an object-oriented programming (OOP) based adapter and handler framework for Web server extensions.
2. Description of Related Art
A variety of different WWW server systems are known which are used to serve or deliver data between client software or browsers connected to a WWW server on a common network. For example, IBM, Microsoft, and Netscape each market WWW servers. In addition, each of these servers use a variety of mechanisms to add in functionality not in the basic server software and link with other servers containing other information content.
Currently, several standard gateway interfaces exist for interfacing with a WWW server and one or more of these other servers. These interfaces include the Common Gateway Interface (CGI), the Netscape Server API (NSAPI), and the Internet Connection Server API (ICAPI).
However, each of the interfaces shares the same drawback: non-portability. An extension written for one API requires significant re-work to port to another API. Worse yet, an extension written to a given API requires modification if moved to a different operating system (and NSAPI and ICAPI currently exist only on a few platforms).
Thus, a need exists for a way to eliminate or minimize the need to rewrite extensions for each API or operating system. In addition, it would be advantageous to insulate extensions from changes that may occur in the API itself (e.g., new versions of the API). The present invention provides a solution to these and other problems, and offers other advantages over the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To overcome the limitations in the prior art described above the present invention discloses an object-oriented programming (OOP) based adapter and handler framework for Web server extensions. The adapter and handler framework provides a generic interface between a Web server program and computer programs external to the Web server program (also known as extensions). The framework isolates the extensions from Web server and operating system dependencies. Moreover, the framework can be easily customized to conform to specific interface protocols.
In the preferred embodiment, the adapter receives a request from a Web server program, and in response to the request the adapter instantiates an IWebRequest subclass as a request object in which it passes a request to the handler, an IWebReply subclass as a reply object in which the handler returns the response, and an IWebRequestHandler subclass as a handler object to perform the actual processing of the request. The adapter then transfers control to the handler, along with the request and reply objects. The handler object accesses the request via the request object, processes the request, and generates a response that is accessed via the reply object. Thereafter, the handler object transfers control back to the adapter, which in turn transfers control back to the Web server program.
These and various other features as well as advantages which characterize the present invention will be apparent upon reading of the following detailed description and review of the associated drawings.


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Fielding et al., “Hypertext Transfer Protocol—HTTP/1.1,” Network Working Group Request for Comments: 2068, pp. 1-162, Jan. 1997.*
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Blair et al., “The Impact of Distribution on the Object-Oriented Approach to Software Development”, IEE/B CS Software Engineering Journal, pp. 2-17, May 1992.

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