Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture which provides for the display of database management information on a computer in a user-friendly way to minimize errors and maximize database usership. The invention displays a window in a graphical user interface on a computer display. The window allows the user to enter database tables, fields, and database commands selected from a displayed menu. The window also displays a natural language translation of the current status of the database command, allowing the user to see, in real time, the scope of the request and the databases affected.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture which provides for visually depicting join relationships in a database management system. The method comprises the steps of visually depicting join relationships on a monitor coupled to a computer and receiving a join command from a user input device into the computer, wherein the join command selectively chooses a join relationship. The join relationships are visually depicted in a window displaying matching records in a first table joined to matching records in a second table, all records in a first table joined to matching records in a second table, and matching records in a first table joined to all records in a second table.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture which provides for finding database management information on a computer in a simple, user-friendly way to minimize errors and maximize database usership. The invention displays a window containing a card metaphor in a graphical user interface on a computer display. The window allows the user to enter a find type and a find condition selected from a displayed menu. The window also displays a natural language description of the current status of the find request, allowing the user to see, in real time, the scope of the request and the databases affected.