Modifying table definitions within a database application

US7610302B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Microsoft Corporation · US

Inventors

• Vitore Selca · Seattle, US
• Christopher W. Bryant · Seattle, US
• Shane L. Groff · North Bend, US
• Theresa Naramore · Snohomish, US
• Tiginesh M. Beyene · Bellevue, US
• Clinton Dee Covington · Redmond, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 29, 2005
• Grant date: Oct 27, 2009
• Expiry date: Nov 13, 2025

Classification

• Technology area (CPC —): General

Abstract

Methods, systems, and computer program products modify a table definition of a database table within a database application. A method involves providing a user interface for creating a new field in the database table, receiving data that creates the new field while displaying the database table, and modifying schema of the database table to include the new field and the data. The method also involves interpreting a data type of the data as the data is received. A data type interpreted for a column in the database table that contains the new field is the data type of the data received in the new field. Still further, the method involves handling objects dependent on the database table in a manner unbeknownst to a user of the database table. Thus, the schema is modified while the objects dependent on the database table remain visible or open to the user.