System and method for automatic mapping of hypertext input fields to software components

A method implemented by a server system for communication with a user over the Internet, the method comprising:

• the server system rendering a hypertext document including emitting program code instructions for registering the mappings between input field names in the hypertext document and software component property names in an input field mapping table when the hypertext document is rendered, a software component being a server-based component that uses data from the input field for processing;
• the server system maintaining an input form mapping table to map forms to input field tables in an input form mapping table, and linking the input field table to the input field mapping table;
• the server system providing the rendered hypertext document to a user;
• the server system receiving from the user input field data entered in at least one named input field;
• the server system determining from the mapping a software component property mapped to the named input field;
• and
• the server system calling the software component for processing the input field data, the mapping being performed such that the fields in the document are linked to fields received by the software component and such that the software component can process the input field data without requiring that the name of the input field in the hypertext document match a corresponding field name in the software component.