Patent ID: 7051333
Filing Date: 2006-05-23
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method of extending a programming language to support multiple dissimilar object systems, the method comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of dissimilar object systems, each of the object systems including the ability to define classes and to construct and utilize objects specific to the object system; providing an opaque interface between a requesting unit and said plurality of dissimilar object systems, said requesting unit being executable code written in an array-oriented programming language from an object system different from said plurality of dissimilar object systems, the array-oriented programming language capable of placing objects into an array and indexing said objects, the opaque interface including a defined set of procedures enabling the requesting unit to interact with the plurality of object systems through the opaque interface, the defined set of procedures enabling said interaction without the requesting unit having knowledge of the implementation of the object system; specifying a format for at least one defined set of functions for use in said opaque interface; creating more than one of said defined set of functions for use in said opaque interface, each said set of functions associated with a specific one of the plurality of dissimilar object systems, each of the at least one defined set of functions valid only for the associated object system, each said defined set of functions accessible by said set of procedures and executable within said object system; and using said opaque interface for communications between said requesting unit and at least one of said object systems.