Comprehensive bilateral translation between SQL and graphically depicted queries

• US 5,428,737 A
• Filed: 10/16/1991
• Issued: 06/27/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 10/16/1991
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Bucher, Charles K., Li, Shih-Gong, Banning, Kenneth R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Heckler, Thomas M.
• Application Number:
  US07/778,048
• Time in Patent Office: 1,350 Days
• Field of Search: 395/500, 395/600, 395/157-161, 364/DIG. 1 MS File
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/2428 Query predicate definition using graphical user interfaces, including menus and forms G06F16/2423 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99934 Query formulation, input preparation, or translation

Abstract

A method, system and program providing comprehensive bilateral translation between text format and visual format relational database queries. In a preferred form, tables and lists are configured to define a common data structure. Translation between structured query language (SQL) query statements and the common data structure is accomplished by clause. Similarly, a common data structure for the visual or graphical format queries is defined, preferably employing graphics symbols and multiple windows. Bidirectional translation is thereafter accomplished through the common data structure. The method, system and program is comprehensive in the SQL clauses available, together with providing full resources for hierarchical subselect clauses.

Claims

1. A method for operating a database in a computer system to bidirectionally translate between graphical and text format representations of a database query, comprising the steps of:

generating in the system a first data structure including a first link, which first data structure relates to a graphical format query;

generating in the system a second data structure including a second link, which second data structure relates to a text format query; and

bidirectionally translating between graphical format and text format queries using the first and second links.

2. The method recited in claim 1, wherein the bidirectional translation is accomplished so that the graphical and the text formats are functionally equivalent queries.

3. The method recited in claim 2, wherein the data structures are comprised of relational lists.

4. The method recited in claim 3, wherein the data structures define Boolean operators.

5. The method recited in claim 4, wherein the database is relational and the text format query uses a structured query language.

6. The method recited in claim 5, wherein the graphical format query is depicted on a video display screen using windows for one or more query clause relationships.

7. The method recited in claim 5, wherein one or more clauses of the database query uses a WHERE or HAVING clause.

8. The method recited in claim 6, wherein one or more clauses of the database query uses a WHERE or HAVING clause.

9. A computer system for bidirectionally translating between graphical and text format representations of a database query, comprising:

a video display for depicting a database query in graphical or text formats;

means for a user of the system to define a database query expression in graphical or text format through a physical interaction between the user and the system;

means for creating a first data structure, including a first link, which relates to a graphical format query, responsive to the means for a user of the system to define;

means for creating a second data structure, including a second link, which relates to a text format query, responsive to the means for a user of the system to define;

means for bidirectionally translating between graphical format and text format queries using the first and second links; and

means for the video display to depict the database query defined by the user in a user selected format.

10. The system recited in claim 9, wherein the means for bidirectionally translating provides that the graphical and the text formats are functionally equivalent queries.

11. The system recited in claim 10, wherein the database is relational and the text format query uses structured query language.

12. The system recited in claim 11, wherein the graphical format query uses windows to depict one or more query clause relationships on the video display.

13. The system recited in claim 11, wherein one or more clauses in the database query uses a WHERE or HAVING clause.

14. The system recited in claim 12, wherein one or more clauses in the database query uses a WHERE or HAVING clause.