System and method for automating implementation and execution of constraint most likely to be violated in a database
First Claim
1. A method for operating a computer to update an entity-relationship model database, the method comprising the steps performed by the computer of:
- accepting data for a new or modified instance or to delete an instance of an entity;
activating constraints applicable to the accepted data;
determining a firing order including at least a first constraint for firing from among the activated constraints, the first constraint being determined based on criteria which attempts to identify a constraint most likely to be violated;
firing the first constraint;
determining if the first constraint was violated; and
returning to the step of activating constraints if any constraints remain to be fired.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed is a system and method of operating a computer to update a database. An entry made by a user for creating, deleting or modifying an entity type instance is checked to determine applicable constraints, which are then activated and placed in a pool. A firing order is then determined for the activated constraints. The first ranked constraint is then coded, using database calls if necessary to provide data for the logical statements, after which the coded constraint is fired. If the constraint was violated an error is signalled and processing is returned to the step of activating constraints for treatment of revised user data. Otherwise, it is determined if any constraints remain to be fired before returning to the step of activating or exiting.
34 Citations
12 Claims
-
1. A method for operating a computer to update an entity-relationship model database, the method comprising the steps performed by the computer of:
-
accepting data for a new or modified instance or to delete an instance of an entity; activating constraints applicable to the accepted data; determining a firing order including at least a first constraint for firing from among the activated constraints, the first constraint being determined based on criteria which attempts to identify a constraint most likely to be violated; firing the first constraint; determining if the first constraint was violated; and returning to the step of activating constraints if any constraints remain to be fired. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
-
-
7. A constraint enforcement apparatus for an entity-reference model database on a data processing system, comprising:
-
user input means for requesting modification, creation or deletion of entity type instances in the database; a plurality of constraints resident in a system storage;
means for activating constraints applicable to user input requests;means for selecting a constraint for firing from among the activated constraints, said selecting means comprising means for predicting a constraint from the activated constraints as most likely to be violated and means for selecting the predicted constraint as first to be fired; means for firing the constraint; and means for determining if the constraint was violated. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
-
Specification