SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING COMPATIBILITY ACROSS MULTIPLE VERSIONS OF A SOFTWARE SYSTEM

摘要

A system and methods that provide compatibility across multiple versions of a software system, such as an execution engine or run-time system, are disclose. The software system is structured so that it includes a master module, and one or more helper modules, each helper module being capable of processing applets (i.e., programs or content) that require a particular version of the software system. Each time an applet is to be processed by the software system, the master module determines which helper module should be used to process the applet, and starts the selected helper module if necessary. Compatibility with additional versions can be provided by providing additional helper modules. Because numerous helper modules may be executed simultaneously, applets that require different versions of the software system may be processed simultaneously.