A rule based user interface builder for Visual Studio .NET : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Computer Science at Massey University
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Date
2007
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Open Access Location
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Massey University
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Abstract
Current popularity and lack of successful innovation in the field of Graphical User Interface(GUI) builders leads to the question of how we can pave the way for a second generation of (GUI) builders. This question requires a new approach on GUI builder innovation by changing event handling practices to integrate a Domain Specific Language (DSL). We propose a DSL based on R2ML that can be pre-compiled to .NET framework source code. The adoption of a DSL provides a starting point but offers similar problems with large numbers of rules like other previous unsuccessful innovations. We attempt to mitigate this concern with the adoption of an event correlation architecture which enables the realization of complex events. Complex events allow for the combining of primitive events to gain a higher level event which we propose is easier to relate to user requirements. We further reduce the number of rules developers require by introducing querying techniques to provide indirect referencing, rather than using traditional URI approaches which are more tightly coupled. Comparison of the lines of code our solution requires, against a comparison not using our solution, demonstrates a decrease in effort for developers. We also provide architectural reasoning to show developers the design benefits of our approach.
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Keywords
Graphical user interfaces (Computer systems), Microsoft Visual studio, Microsoft .NET Framework