Abstract: A query engine residing on computer-readable media includes a library of data drivers and an intelligent dataset. Each data driver in the library is operable to execute a predefined database operation. The intelligent dataset is operable in response to a query request to identify from the library necessary data drivers to perform the request. The intelligent dataset is further operable to determine a necessary order of the necessary data drivers to perform the request, to generate a driver chain comprising the necessary data drivers in the necessary order, and to execute in order the data drivers in the driver chain.

Abstract: A multidimensional storage model includes a set of non-sparse entries for each of a plurality of dimensions. The non-sparse entries each identify an associated data value. A set of interdimensional links is provided for each non-sparse entry. The interdimensional links each identify an intersection between non-sparse entries in disparate dimensions and collectively identify all intersections between non-sparse entries in the dimensions.

Abstract: A method for generating database queries includes storing a predefined query model for querying a database. An accessible portion of the predefined query model is displayed to a user upon request. User edits to the accessible portion of the predefined query model are received and used to generate a user-adapted query model. A query is then initiated based on the user-adapted query model.

Abstract: A development system having methods for maintaining data integrity of information stored as a data record in a database table with information displayed on a screen device is described. An exemplary method for maintaining data integrity, without continuous exclusive locking of a shared data record, includes the following steps. First, the system reads at least one field value from a database table, while the table is available to others (i.e., accessed with share access). This field value is displayed on screen to the user, whereupon the user may enter new information (i.e., new field value). In the event that the user has entered new information, the method performs the step of re-reading the field value from the database table. Accordingly, the method can determine whether the just-entered value differs from that stored in the database.