Summary
We now have a repertoire of tools for dealing with XML files, and the related issue of sets of parameters that are defined using XML but can be stored in the database as strings, while also being easy to query when loaded into a computer. The basic principles of a generalized configuration system have been described, and implementation work is ongoing.
Most systems run in a UNIX environment, where the file system raises complications to do with permissions. We have seen how the framework can provide a layer of support for file and directory operations, partly to deal with such complications, and partly to handle common tasks.
Despite the difficulties in effective implementation, WYSIWYG editors are expected in systems used by non-specialists, and we have seen a framework for achieving this.
One of the aims of building frameworks must be to enhance productivity in the development of extensions, or custom additions. The construction of standard mechanisms to handle database table maintenance...