System and method for providing and using meta-data in a dynamically typed array-based language

摘要

A class definition syntax that leverages the array and math-oriented nature of a dynamically typed array-based programming language is discussed. Some embodiments of the present invention provides a mechanism for using meta-data to define a class implemented in the dynamically typed array-based programming language. The meta-data provide an easy way to provide class definitions and allow a user to access the class definitions from objects. The meta-data also support extension of class definitions without introducing backward incompatibility.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
defining a meta-data class having meta-data used to describe a class and constituent components of the class,
the meta-data class having a property, andthe defining being performed by a computing device; creating a compiled version of the class,
the compiled version of the class being embedded with the meta-data, andthe creating being performed by the computing device; creating an instance of the class,
the creating the instance of the class being performed by the computing device; receiving, from an entity, a request to access the instance of the class,
the receiving performed by the computing device; accessing, the property of the meta-data class embedded in the compiled version of the class to determine how to access data associated with the instance of the class,
the accessing being performed by the computing device; receiving, based on accessing the property of the meta-data class, information regarding how to access the data associated with the instance of the class,
the meta-data providing the information,the meta-data providing a value to the entity,
the value being used to identify the instance of the class, andthe receiving the information regarding how to access the data associated with the
instance of the class being performed by the computing device; and accessing, based on the information regarding how to access the data associated with the instance of the class, the data associated with the instance of the class,
the accessing the data associated with the instance of the class being performed by the computing device.