Computer program product and program storage device for merging and separating attributes of consoles

摘要

A program storage device and computer program product for performing merge transactions and non-failure rollback transactions between data structures without logging. The device and product comprise data structures objects (or consoles) comprising means for storing original attributes that define that object, means for storing apparent attributes merged into that object from the other object, means for storing a switch-to pointer, and means for storing a switch-chain pointer. The device and product may further comprise merging means for processing merge transactions, including means for switching the switch-to pointer of the second object to point to the first object, means for switching the switch-chain pointer of the first object to point to the second object to thereby form a switch chain, and means for logically ORing the apparent attributes of the first and second objects to thereby render the second object idle and permit the first object to control the attributes of the second object. The device and product may also include rollback means for rolling back a merge transaction, including means for removing the second object from the switch-chain, and means for logically ANDing the original attributes of the first object with the apparent attributes of the first object and storing the resulting group of attributes as new apparent attributes for the first object. Pluralities of objects may be merged into a single object as well.