Patent ID: 6091895
Filing Date: 2000-07-18
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method of performing centralized maintenance of computer programs, comprising the steps of:(1) defining a sequence of invocations of a plurality of dialogs for the performance of one or more tasks, wherein each of said invocations is further defined by a parameter list that includes at least one parameter definition;(2) generating program code, based on said invocation of said plurality of dialogs, wherein said program code is in the format and syntax of a computer programming language, wherein said program code can be inserted into a computer program being maintained;(3) storing, in a first table, an index representing said sequence;(4) storing, in a second table referenced by said index, information comprising a dialog identification, a parameter list, and generated program code;(5) changing the definition of at least one of said plurality of dialogs;(6) regenerating program code for a program component that is based on said changed dialog;(7) comparing said regenerated code with said generated code that is stored in said second table at a location associated with said program code segment that is based on said changed command dialog, wherein said comparison step further comprises the step of determining if any predefined major changes have occurred;(8) reporting any differences resulting from step (7) to a status window;(9) determining whether any parameters have been deleted; and(10) retaining said generated code in place of said regenerated code.