System and method for determining the functionality of a software application based on nodes within the software application and transitions between the nodes
The invention uses a state machine to control the flow throughout a Web site including the execution of business logic, error handling and dispatching based on both user and programming events. This state machine is used as input to a flow processor and therein guides the system. The flow processor controls a series of online functions including HTML links, HTML form submissions, form processing, business logic execution, and business logic exceptions into one simple-to-manage element. Any required change to the logic flow of the system can be made by modifying just the flow processor itself, without necessary changes to the referenced online functions.
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application "System for Managing Logical Process Flow in an Online Environment"; application Ser. No. 09/908,023; filed Jul. 18, 2001; and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,051,069 on May 23, 2006; which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application "System for Managing Logical Process Flow in an Online Environment"; application Ser. No. 60/236,898; filed Sep. 28, 2000, both of which applications are incorporated herein by reference.
