Generic Database Query Interface for Multi-Table Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current database systems require specific coding for each database table structure, leading to inefficiencies when accessing or modifying data across multiple tables, as changes to one table necessitate rewriting access codes for all related tables.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a common database layout with a generic index that allows a single query to access multiple database tables regardless of their structure, using a generic query that can adapt to changes in table layouts without needing additional coding or modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specific coding is written for each database table structure, then data access can be performed for each table, but code maintenance becomes complex and time-consuming when tables are modified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal query language that can access multiple database tables with different structures through a single standardized interface. The query language uses a common syntax and semantics that works across all tables, eliminating the need for table-specific coding variations and reducing maintenance complexity when tables are modified.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the application and database tables, which translates high-level generic queries into table-specific access methods. This intermediary handles the complexity of different table structures internally, allowing applications to interact with tables through a simplified, unified interface without needing to know the underlying structural differences.
2Reliability
If database tables are normalized into multiple tables, then data efficiency and logical dependencies are improved, but access coding must be rewritten when tables are added or modified
Solution Approach 1:
The query language is designed to be universally applicable across all normalized tables without requiring table-specific syntax. This allows the same query construction mechanisms to work for any table in the normalized schema, eliminating the need to rewrite access codes when tables are added or modified during normalization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic query generation where the query language can automatically adapt to different table structures at runtime. This dynamic capability allows the system to handle schema changes without requiring code rewrites, as the query mechanism can dynamically adjust to access new or modified tables while maintaining the same high-level interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a generic query structure is used for all database tables, then code reusability is improved, but the query must handle varying table structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary translation layer that converts high-level generic queries into table-specific access operations. This intermediary handles the complexity of varying table structures internally, allowing the generic query syntax to remain simple and reusable while the underlying implementation adapts to different table schemas without exposing this complexity to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The query language uses parameterized syntax where table-specific details are captured as parameters rather than hardcoded structure. This allows the same generic query template to work across different tables by simply changing parameters such as table name, column names, and data types, without changing the overall query structure or requiring complex handling of structural variations.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides various embodiments of software for utilizing a common database layout. In one aspect, a first database table having a first layout and a generic index is accessed using a first instance of a query, and a second database table having a second layout and the generic index is accessed using a second instance of the query. Some implementations may have a generic index that consists of a globally unique identifier. Other implementations may have a generic index that is a combination of database table fields. In some implementations, the first and second database tables may be resident in a first data repository, and the software may access a third database table having a third layout and the generic index using a third instance of the query, wherein the third database table is resident in a second data repository.