Methods, apparatuses and computer program products for utilizing subtyping to support evolution of data types

摘要

An apparatus utilizing subtyping to evolve data types includes a processor and memory storing executable computer program code causing the apparatus to at least perform operations defining a subtype relationship in an object model supporting types of instances to share data. The program code further causes the apparatus to define a constraint specifying an instance of child type is also an instance of parent type such that instances of child type are instances of parent type. The program code further causes the apparatus to define a constraint specifying the child type is a subtype of the parent type which is the parent of the child type. The program code further causes the apparatus to evaluate an instance(s) from an application(s) or device(s) to determine whether the instance(s) is valid based on detecting whether the instance(s) complies with the constraints. Corresponding methods and computer program products are also provided.