Database Trigger Modification System and Method

• US 20090157737A1
• Filed: 12/13/2007
• Published: 06/18/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 12/13/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Theuer, Mark William, Venz, Michael Alan, Konik, Rafal Przemyslaw
• Granted Patent: US 8,396,846 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/2435 Active constructs

Abstract

A method, apparatus and program product modify the behavior of a database trigger. An attribute desired by a user for a database trigger may be received. The attribute may relate to a change in the functionality of the trigger, such as a restriction on trigger behavior. An object that includes the attribute may be generated. The attribute may be associated with and applied to the trigger. In this manner, the attribute may be selectively applied to multiple triggers.

Claims

1. A method of modifying a trigger included within a database, the method comprising:

receiving an attribute desired by a user for the trigger, wherein the attribute relates to a modification in a functional capability of the trigger;

generating an object that includes the attribute; and

applying the attribute to the trigger.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising applying the attribute to multiple triggers.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising selectively applying the attribute to multiple triggers.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein applying the attribute to the trigger further comprises associating the attribute with the trigger.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising prompting the user for the attribute.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing an interface for prompting the user for the attribute.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein applying the attribute to the trigger further comprises applying an attribute relating to a functional capability selected from a group consisting of at least one of:

a recursive capability, a trigger nesting capability, a profile associated with the trigger, a cycle associated with the trigger, an insert data capability, an update data capability, a delete data capability, a read data capability, a restricted access capability, a trigger selection capability and a propagation capability.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining if a logical error will result from applying the attribute to the trigger.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising firing the trigger.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein applying the attribute to the trigger further comprises determining that the trigger and the object are associated.

11. An apparatus, comprising:

a memory storing a trigger;

program code resident in the memory; and

a processor in communication with the memory and configured to execute the program code to modify the trigger included within the memory, to receive an attribute desired by a user for the trigger, wherein the attribute relates to a modification in a functional capability of the trigger, to generate an object that includes the attribute, and to apply the attribute to the trigger.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the processor is further configured to apply the attribute to multiple triggers.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the processor is further configured to associate the attribute with the trigger.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the processor is further configured to prompt the user for the attribute.

15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the processor is further configured to provide an interface for prompting the user for the attribute.

16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the attribute relates to a functional capability selected from a group consisting of at least one of:

a recursive capability, a trigger nesting capability, a profile associated with the trigger, a cycle associated with the trigger, an insert data capability, an update data capability, a delete data capability, a read data capability, a restricted access capability, a trigger selection capability and a propagation capability.

17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the processor is further configured to determine if a logical error will result from applying the attribute to the trigger.

18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the processor is further configured to fire the trigger.

19. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the processor is further configured to determine that the trigger and the object are associated.

20. A program product, comprising:

program code configured to modify the trigger included within a memory, to receive an attribute desired by a user for the trigger, wherein the attribute relates to a modification in a functional capability of the trigger, to generate an object that includes the attribute, and to apply the attribute to the trigger; and

a computer readable medium bearing the program code.