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Opaque types

  • US 6,470,348 B1
  • Filed: 07/31/2000
  • Issued: 10/22/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/08/1998
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for handling within a database system a data item that is associated with a data type whose native structure is not known to said database system, the method comprising the steps of:

  • said database system receiving user input that specifies a set of attributes;

    said database system receiving user input that specifies a data type that is supported by said database system for each attribute in said set of attributes;

    said database system receiving user input that specifies an external routine for accessing a first attribute of said set of attributes, wherein said external routine expects said data item to have said native structure;

    said database system invoking said external routine to access a first attribute; and

    in response to invoking said external routine, said database system receiving from said external routine a value that is structured according to the data type associated with said first attribute.

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