Abstract: A system and method for translating source code, comprising high level source code with embedded SQL statements, to p-code or machine-language instructions by a one-pass parsing mechanism. The one-pass parsing mechanism generates executable code without the need to generate an intermediate file. Additionally, the p-code or machine-language instructions are annotated with references to the line numbers of the corresponding source code, thereby allowing a source level debugger to debug the source code with embedded SQL statements.

Abstract: A relational data base management system includes a query processor that permits consideration of alternative query plans by the query optimizer so one table can be sent to a selected network location for subquery evaluation in consideration of maximum processing efficiency. Subqueries are converted from "predicate push-down" form to scalar subqueries, enabling upper tables to be sent to nodes of lower tables and vice versa, thereby permitting selection of the node direction depending on the least cost alternative. The optimizer of the query processor is presented with rewritten query code that permits more than one alternative for sending tables for evaluation. The optimizer evaluates the alternatives permitted by the rewritten code, determines the optimal plan for each alternative, and selects the least-cost plan from among the plans evaluated.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for an intelligent compiler. A query is executed in a computer to retrieve data from a relational database stored on a data storage device. The query contains a procedural function. The query is compiled to generate an internal representation of the procedural function. Then, the execution of the procedural function is optimized using the generated internal representation.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for an intelligent compiler. A query is executed in a computer to retrieve data from a relational database stored on a data storage device. One or more scripting language statements are compiled to generate an internal representation. Then, the execution of the scripting language statements is optimized using the generated internal representation.

Abstract: Method for specifying SQL "full outer joins" which enables the use of arbitrary join conditions in specifying the query. This is enabled by equating a full outer join with a left outer join unioned with a right outer join less the matched tuples from the right outer join. A number of embodiments further present improvements in execution speed. One such improvement utilizes as a second operand of the union query a novel operator, the "ANTI-JOIN". The anti-join is implemented as a right outer join coupled with an ISNULL predicate.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting and stacking grouping sets to support GROUP BY operations with GROUPING SETS, ROLLUP and CUBE extensions in relational database management systems, with greatly reduced numbers of grouping sets. A first GROUP BY (element-list1) is input to a second GROUP BY (element-list2), resulting in the GROUP BY of the intersection of the two lists. This intersection property is then useable to reduce the number of GROUP BYs required to implement the grouping by GROUPING SETS, ROLLUPs, and CUBEs required for the online analytical processing of data contained in the database.

Abstract: A database system and method provide support for a positioned data set modification operation on a collection of data sets involved in a data set query operation, in which the data set modification operation is based on the position of a query execution iterator. At query compile time, the database system generates an iterator position retrieval function and a data set modification function for each data set involved in the query operation. At query execution time, the database system invokes each of the iterator retrieval functions until the iterator position retrieval function for a current open data set returns the current the position of the query execution iterator on that data set. The database system then invokes each of the data set modification functions until the data set modification function for the current open data set performs a data set modification operation at the current position of the query execution iterator specified by the iterator position retrieval function.

Abstract: Unwieldy star/join queries are performed more efficiently using a filtered fact table. Suitable queries include star/join queries with a large fact table joined with multiple subsidiary dimension tables, where indices exist over fact table join columns. The query is analyzed to prepare a query plan for the dimension table accesses. This plan is supplemented by adding nested loop join operations, where the inner table is a dimension table plan and the outer table is an index scan performed over a fact table index of the join column with the dimension table. The plan is also supplemented by filtering records resulting from the nested loop joins using a sequence of dynamic bit vectors, ultimately yielding a list of probable fact table records. The plan is further supplemented by fetching these records to construct a distilled fact which is used, instead of the large original table, to execute the query in considerably less time.

Abstract: A framework for a query compiler and run-time environment for resolving a table reference to a dynamic table that is first identified at run-time but is initially unknown at compile-time. A parser parses the table reference and creates a parsed representation for the table that identifies the type of dynamic table. A code generator creates executable plans containing run-time table object representations (TAOB), from the parsed representations, that contain the type of dynamic table. The TAOB is also extended to provide for parameters that are definable at run-time, including a table ID of the actual table entity being referenced. A routine is embedded in a run-time routine that checks the type of dynamic table in the TAOB and dispatches control to one of a plurality of corresponding routines, depending upon the type of dynamic table. The corresponding routines use the extended TAOB to dynamically link the table reference to the dynamic table, depending upon the type of dynamic table.

Abstract: An automated system for detecting and preventing mutating table violations of database integrity in a SQL query before generation and selection of an optimal query execution plan (QEP). This system modifies the query graph model (QGM) to restrict the choice of execution plans to those that avoid mutating table integrity (MTI) violations, thereby forcing database integrity during table mutation when executing the optimal QEP. Mutating table integrity violations are detected by evaluating the position in the QGM of each write-node referencing a particular base table with respect to each of the positions of all other read- and write-nodes referencing of the same base table. Every common-referencing node pair is tested for sequencing conflicts and a data-flow dam is inserted in the QGM where necessary or a poke query is inserted between the nodes to force the completion of the execution of one node before initiating execution of the other common-referencing node.

Abstract: A relational data base management system includes a query processor that permits consideration of alternative query plans by the query optimizer so one table can be sent to a selected network location for subquery evaluation in consideration of maximum processing efficiency. Subqueries are converted from "predicate push-down" form to scalar subqueries, enabling upper tables to be sent to nodes of lower tables and vice versa, thereby permitting selection of the node direction depending on the least cost alternative. The optimizer of the query processor is presented with rewritten query code that permits more than one alternative for sending tables for evaluation. The optimizer evaluates the alternatives permitted by the rewritten code, determines the optimal plan for each alternative, and selects the least-cost plan from among the plans evaluated.

Abstract: A system and method for translating source code, comprising high level source code with embedded SQL statements, to p-code or machine-language instructions by a one-pass parsing mechanism. The one-pass parsing mechanism generates executable code without the need to generate an intermediate file. Additionally, the p-code or machine-language instructions are annotated with references to the line numbers of the corresponding source code, thereby allowing a source level debugger to debug the source code with embedded SQL statements.

Abstract: A relational database management system (RDBMS) efficiently evaluates correlated subqueries by decorrelating them and taking care of the so-called SQL count bug and yet avoid using the expensive outer join operation. When there is no tuple match from a correlated subquery, the RDBMS query processor returns a tuple of null(s) from a scalar derived table, and then uses COALESCE function to generate a proper count value of zero from the null. The correlation level remains one. The query processor also performs a pass-through optimization to eliminate a join operation for floating SELECT operation by removing a join operation involving the magic operation, so that the correlation bindings are received from the correlation source table rather than the magic operation.

Abstract: A method of performing a parallel join operation on a pair of relations R1 and R2 in a system containing P processors organized into Q clusters of P/Q processors each. The system contains disk storage for each cluster, shared by the processors of that cluster, together with a shared intermediate memory (SIM) accessible by all processors. The relations R1 and R2 to be joined are first sorted on the join column. The underlying domain of the join column is then partitioned into P ranges of equal size. Each range is further divided into M subranges of progressively decreasing size to create MP tasks T.sub.m,p, the subranges of a given range being so sized relative to one another that the estimated completion time for task T.sub.m,p is a predetermined fraction that of task T.sub.m-1,p. Tasks T.sub.

Abstract: A system and method for passing arrays and structures as host variables to a stored procedure. An application program packs an array or structure into a binary large object (BLOB) and sends the BLOB to a database management system. An adapter called by the database management system, and coupled to the stored procedure, passes a reference to the data area in the BLOB to the stored procedure. After completion of the stored procedure, the BLOB is returned to the application program. Finally, upon the return from the stored procedure call, the application program unpacks the BLOB back into the array or structure.

Abstract: In a relational database management system (RDMS), a method and system for constraint checking of bulk data after storage in a base table. This invention generates a "dummy" INSERT inquiry to cause the compiler constraint rule engine to generate code for checking for constraint violations. After construction of a Query Graph Model by the compiler, a logic module replaces the INSERT inquiry with a SELECT inquiry to create code that when executed will select records from the bulk data table. Constraint violations are handled in several ways by this invention, including merely reporting that a constraint error exists or listing those records that violate constraint conditions. The logic also enforces referential integrity constraints by applying the SQL CASCADE command to the violating records to expand the violation list to include children records that would be orphaned when their parent records are later removed.