Declarative automatic class selection filter for dynamic file reclassification

In a computer system having means for storing a plurality of files each having one or more file attributes, a method for classifying said files comprising the steps of:

• establishing at least one Automatic Class Selection (ACSD filter in said storage means wherein said ACS filter includes an ordered plurality of rule declarations each specifying a range of values for a plurality of said file attributes and at least one file management class;
• testing in sequence each said rule declaration for coincidence with the file attributes of a first said file until first encountering a rule declaration that coincides with said first file attributes;
• and
• assigning to said first file the file management class specified in said first encountered coincident rule declaration, wherein said assigned file management class refers to an executable ACS procedure.

In a computer system having means for storing a plurality of files each having one or more file attributes, a computer file management system for dynamically reclassifying said files in accordance with said file attributes, said management system comprising:

• ACS filter means having at least one Automatic Class Selection (ACS) filter that includes an ordered plurality of rule declarations each specifying values for a plurality of said file attributes and at least one file management class;
• tester means coupled to said ACS filter means for referencing said ACS filter responsive to the opening of a first said file to test in sequence each said rule declaration for coincidence with the file attributes of said first file and for identifying the first encountered said rule declaration that coincides with said first file attributes;
• and
• classifier means coupled to said tester means for selecting for said first file the management class specified in said first encountered coincident rule declaration.

In a computer system having means for storing a plurality of files each having one or more file attributes, a computer file management system for automatically classifying said files in accordance with said file attributes, said management system comprising:

• filter means having an ordered plurality of rule declarations each specifying values for a plurality of said file attributes and at least one file management class;
• tester means coupled to said filter means for testing in sequence each said rule declaration for coincidence with the file attributes of a first said file and for identifying the first said rule declaration that coincides with said first file attributes;
• link means coupled to said tester means for assigning to said first file a management class specified in said first coincident rule declaration;
• and
• means coupled to said link means for executing an ACS procedure responsive to the assignment of a file management class to said first file.