Visual composition tool for constructing application programs using distributed objects on a distributed object network

摘要

A method, apparatus, and program code visually constructs object- oriented application software to be installed on a distributed object system. The method of the invention includes the following steps. Initially, the method provides a catalog facility which contains components having references to pre-existing objects within a distributed object system. A component is selected from the catalog facility for inclusion in the application software. A part corresponding to the object referenced by the selected component is derived from the selected component. The part is then made available to an application construction environment. In this environment, the part can be linked to at least one other part that also references a pre-existing object in the distributed object system. Graphical facilities are provided within the application construction environment for selecting and defining links among parts. Links define relationships between parts and thereby provide computer code for the application software under construction. When the part is linked to another part in the application construction environment, computer code is generated that will be effective to implement the relationship between the parts when the application program is run.