Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing data using multi-tier caching are described. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a user request containing one or more data parameters and searching cache memories of multiple tiers until finding a parameterized result set associated with the data parameters. The multiple tiers correspond to stages in the transformation of data retrieved from one or more data sources according to the user request. Once the parameterized result set associated with the data parameters is found, it is used to create a final result set.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a data set with pending results are described. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a user request to process data and processing the user request to begin creating a final result set with at least one field being identified as a pending result field. The processing, in turn, includes creating a portion of an initial result set containing the pending result field before a final value for the pending result field is determined, and transforming the portion of the initial result set to create a portion of the final result set before a final value for the pending result field is determined. The method further includes continuing processing the user request while the final value remains undetermined, and updating the final result set with the final value of the pending result field once the final value is determined.

Abstract: A deferred transaction mechanism facilitates multi-threaded operation of database application programs. The deferred transaction mechanism allows data items to be committed from the local memory of a computer system to a database system in a background thread, while other foreground threads continue to read the data item. In most instances, this makes the delay in committing a data item to the database imperceptible to a human user of a database application program. The deferred transaction mechanism further supports an “undo” feature, which allows modifications to a data item located in a computer's local memory to be rapidly discarded.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes data descriptions of data in a database. The data descriptions include baseviews and metaviews. The baseviews reference specific portions of the actual database schema while the metaviews provide descriptions of baseviews. Each baseview includes specific references to specific columns in tables stored in the database.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes an architecture for extending the data requesting and data viewing capabilities of a database system. Data from the database is requested and viewed using a plan. The plan defines the steps to perform to request and view the data. The extensible architecture allows for the relatively easy addition of new steps for use in the database retrieval and viewing system. In one system, each step includes executable code for accessing, manipulating and/or outputting data. Each step conforms to a predefined interface that allows the step to be used in a plan, manipulate data received from another step (if necessary), and output data to another step (if necessary). By generating steps that conform to the predefined interface, developers can extend the functionality of the data retrieval and viewing application.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes an architecture for extending the data requesting and data viewing capabilities of a database system. Data from the database is requested and viewed using a plan. The plan defines the steps to perform to request and view the data. The extensible architecture allows for the relatively easy addition of new steps for use in the database retrieval and viewing system. In one system, each step includes executable code for accessing, manipulating and/or outputting data. Each step conforms to a predefined interface that allows the step to be used in a plan, manipulate data received from another step (if necessary), and output data to another step (if necessary). By generating steps that conform to the predefined interface, developers can extend the functionality of the data retrieval and viewing application.

Abstract: A deferred transaction mechanism facilitates multi-threaded operation of database application programs. The deferred transaction mechanism allows data items to be committed from the local memory of a computer system to a database system in a background thread, while other foreground threads continue to read the data item. In most instances, this makes the delay in committing a data item to the database imperceptible to a human user of a database application program. The deferred transaction mechanism further supports an "undo" feature, which allows modifications to a data item located in a computer's local memory to be rapidly discarded.