SQL enhancements simplifying database querying

US9639572B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• SAP SE · DE

Inventors

• Daniel Hutzel · Karlsruhe, DE
• Timm Falter · Sinsheim, DE
• Stefan Baeuerle · Walldorf, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 6, 2013
• Grant date: May 2, 2017
• Expiry date: Feb 26, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06F16/288
• WIPO field: Computer technology
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

Disclosed are techniques employed alone or in combination, to further enhance a database language and improve conciseness and comprehensiveness of query statements in application code. Embodiments may build upon an initial extension of database language to accommodate concepts of entity-relationship models (ERMs). That initial extension may include entities with structured types, and named associations. One technique modifies SQL to allow the SELECT command to specify element path expressions based upon a relationship (e.g. named associations between ERM elements). Another technique modifies SQL to introduce filter expressions suffixed to associations within path expressions, thus improving adherence to the principle of locality within query statements. Yet another technique allows a shorthand to “factor out” association path prefixes, thereby avoiding lengthy lists of path expressions in order to read several elements from the same nested structure or a same target entity behind a single association. Other techniques simplifying database querying are also disclosed.