Data processing: software development – installation – and managem – Software program development tool – Translation of code
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-13
2001-12-11
Powell, Mark R. (Department: 2122)
Data processing: software development, installation, and managem
Software program development tool
Translation of code
C709S203000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06330716
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is generally related to a system of processing software scripts directed to computer operations and, more particularly, is related to a system and method for online replacement of a running script within the same process in software.
2. Description of Related Art
As known in the computer and software arts, software scripts undergo many changes during their product life. The changes either enhance the script's functionality through updates or remove problems (i.e., bugs) from the script steps. In either circumstance, the script is usually replaced with a new version of the script.
Typically, when a script is replaced with a new version, the old version of the script is terminated, and the new version is started. This procedure, however, creates a problem where the script operation is interrupted for some time period.
Generally, a script is a sequence of shell commands contained in a text file. There are various ways scripts are executed. Some shells read a line of script, parse it, execute it, and then read the next line. Other shells, such as the well known Perl shell program, parse and compile the entire script into object code before beginning execution. One type of script is a common gateway interface (cgi) script. Generally, a cgi script is invoked when a user clicks on an element in a web page, such as a link or image. Cgi scripts are used to provide interactivity in a Web page. Cgi scripts can be written in many different computer software languages, including C, C++ and Perl. A cgi-bin is a library of cgi scripts applications that can be executed by a processor.
Heretofore, software users have lacked the ability to allow a running script to be replaced with a new version of a script without loss of service or state.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a system and method for on-line replacement of a running script within the same environment. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the apparatus and method utilize a script registry that keeps track of the most current script for a particular service. The request for service is presented to the script registry to identify the location of the most current script that provides the requested service.
In accordance with another embodiment of the apparatus and method of the present invention, a script registry is utilized to maintain an index to the service scripts to be performed and the path for that service script to be found. This feature provides additional robust and reliable operation for a user to ensure that all service-providing script locations can be determined from a single reference point and that the most current service script is accessed by the user.
In accordance with yet another embodiment of the apparatus and method of the present invention, the script registry supports service requests from a plurality of service requesters across a network. This feature provides reliable operation for multiple users and ensures that all the users in the network access the same and most current service script from a particular location as opposed to multiple versions of service scripts on a single user system.
In accordance with another embodiment of the apparatus and method of the present invention, a superscript is utilized to transfer script state information between execution of service-providing scripts. This feature provides additional robust and reliable operation to the user to ensure that data information (i.e., execution mode, environment information, and variable data) is passed from a terminating service script to a initializing service script. The state information made available to the newly started service script allows continuity between service script execution.
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Hewlett--Packard Company
Nguyen-Ba Hoang-Vu Antony
Powell Mark R.
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