Abstract: A data processing system having the capability to store data is provided with a facility to dynamically establish a data pipeline extending from a source of the data to an intended recipient. The operation of the data pipeline facility is typically initiated in response to a user entering a request for particular data. Specifically, upon receipt of the user request, a chain of commands is dynamically constructed, in which each command is operative for forming a respective leg of the data pipeline and for invoking the next, adjacent command in the chain. In the instance where the desired data comprises a plurality of fragments, the commands then maintain the pipeline until the last of such fragments has been obtained from the source. Thereafter, each command terminates its respective leg of the pipeline after passing the last fragment of data to the next command in the chain.