Method and system for dynamic modification of data stream constructs by selectively determining which parameters of a macro definition stored in association with the data stream construct may be modified

A data processing system for managing a data stream having multiple components which allows a high degree of flexibility in passing data and processing information from one data stream process to another within said data processing system, said data processing system comprising:

• means for establishing a macro definition within said data processing system, said macro definition including a plurality of parameters which are utilized to describe and control the manner in which data is to be interpreted to modify or create a data stream component, wherein at least a selected one of said plurality of parameters is modifiable prior to utilization thereof and wherein all remaining ones of said plurality of a parameters are fixed.
• means for storing said macro definition in association within said data stream;
• means for periodically invoking said macro definition during processing of said data stream;
• means for selectively altering which of said plurality of parameters within said macro definition is modifiable during each invocation thereof;
• and
• means for modifying or creating a data stream component utilizing said altered macro definition in response to an invocation thereof wherein a single macro definition may be utilized for multiple purposes.