SQL Query Migration Using RAG-Guided Dialect Translation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The migration of database command queries between different database management systems (DBMSs) is hindered by syntactic and semantic differences in SQL dialects, requiring substantial investments and custom solutions for each source-target pair.

Innovation Solution

A machine learning-based approach using generative AI models, specifically large language models, treats the query migration as a text-to-text translation problem, leveraging retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and Chain-of-Thought prompting to convert queries from a source dialect to a target dialect by identifying and correcting errors based on examples and instructions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional custom solutions are used for each source-target dialect pair, then migration accuracy is improved, but device complexity and development costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemigration accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by creating a single generative AI model that can handle multiple source-target dialect pairs simultaneously. The model is trained on diverse SQL dialect data and can translate queries between different database systems (e.g., MySQL to PostgreSQL, Oracle to SQL Server) using the same infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate custom solutions for each dialect pair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary representation layer (abstract syntax tree or intermediate code) that serves as a mediator between source and target dialects. The generative AI model translates source SQL queries into this intermediate representation, which is then converted into the target dialect, providing a standardized bridge that simplifies the translation process across different dialect pairs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional custom solutions are developed for each dialect pair, then migration reliability is improved, but loss of time and productivity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemigration reliabilityVSAvoidmigration time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-training the generative AI model on extensive SQL dialect translation data before actual migration tasks. The model learns dialect differences, syntax rules, and translation patterns in advance, enabling it to perform accurate translations quickly during actual migration operations without requiring time-consuming custom solution development for each dialect pair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the generative AI model to automatically translate SQL queries between dialects without human intervention. The system autonomously handles the migration process, from analyzing source queries to generating target dialect equivalents, significantly reducing the time and manual effort required compared to traditional approaches requiring expert developers for each dialect pair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If generative AI models are used for query translation, then ease of operation is improved, but use of energy and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidcomputational energy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the SQL translation task into distinct processing stages: input query analysis, intermediate representation generation, and target dialect output. This segmentation allows the system to process queries in manageable chunks, optimizing computational resource usage at each stage and enabling better energy management compared to monolithic translation approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by implementing translation validation and verification steps that selectively apply to complex queries while skipping simpler translations. The system performs comprehensive checks only when necessary, reducing overall computational energy consumption while maintaining high accuracy for challenging translation cases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20250378072A1System and Method for Database Command Query Migration
Publication Date: 2025.12.11 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • US20250378072A1 patent drawing
  • US20250378072A1 patent drawing
  • US20250378072A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method, computer program product, and computing system for processing a request to migrate a database command query in a source dialect to a target dialect. An example of the target dialect is obtained by processing the database command query in the source dialect using retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) with the plurality of examples of the target dialect. An instruction is obtained for instructing a generative artificial intelligence (AI) model to translate the database command query in the source dialect to the target dialect by processing the database command query in the source dialect using RAG with the plurality of instructions. A prompt is generated for the generative AI model using the database command query in the source dialect, the example, and the instruction. A candidate database command query is generated by prompting the generative AI model with the prompt to migrate the database command query in the source dialect to the target dialect.