Integrated three-tier application framework with automated class and

Abstract

An integrated three-tier application framework with automated class and database table generation. Schema information in the form of metadata structures is used to generate data classes for the client tier and the application tier. Corresponding client tier and application tier data classes implement a common interface that supports generalized access by other system components. Based on the schema information, factory classes are automatically generated for the client tier and application tier which permit instantiation of the generated data classes. Also, database configuration is automated by the generation of database table creation commands from the schema information. In one embodiment, a framework of management components are provided for both the client and application tiers to handle inter-tier communication, transparent caching of data objects in a public store, handling of changes to data via change objects, handling of updates in response to data changes, and resolution of query objects into database queries. Common methods are generated within each data class which recognize the use of a public store and the application of a change object scheme. Further, methods and attributes are inherited from framework superclasses that identify and interface with a public store, and that confer the concept of identity on a data class, as well as the ability to discover the attributes of the data class.