Whereas the XML description files could be created manually, we have developed a system for managing collections of these files as well as tools to help programmers create the individual files.
The management system is a J2EE application implemented within WebSphere and accessed through a Web browser. It allows users to register, form groups, and manage collections of documents, with access control.
An application description, expressed as an XML document, is created using a Java Applet delivered to the user's browser via the Web. The applet provides several tabbed panes for creating
user types
data types, including named and typed properties as well as methods
interactions between user types and the methods for each data type
relations between data types
An implementation description, also expressed as an XML document, is created by the project management system in response to user selections on an HTML form. The form lists some 20-odd requirements or preferences for an application, such as transactions, persistent storage, PhP, Struts, EJBs, etc. We are then able to infer a layered design that fits the particular requirements marked.
Views of both tools are shown below.
appl.xml Tool
- Multi-tab Applet for creating appl.xml file
- Tab for defining user types
- Tab for defining data objects
- Tab for defining user-data object interactions for access control
- Tab for defining data object relationships
impl.xml Tool
