Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for supporting the addition of new instances of database objects and relationships, for a relational database environment that can be partially represented as a graph of fields (columns) of database tables. For a new instance of a graph element (node or edge) to be spawned, the element is classified into one of several use cases. Each database table is analyzed based on its key and non-key fields, according to use-case-dependent rules, to determine whether it should be augmented with a new entry for the new element instance. If yes, then the database table can be augmented, or can be marked for augmentation upon a subsequent request for a new instance of the graph element. Efficient and reliable growth of large and complex relational databases is enabled. Examples are provided across a wide range of domains. Certain variants are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for supporting the addition of new instances of database objects and relationships, for a relational database environment that can be partially represented as a graph of fields (columns) of database tables. For a new instance of a graph element (node or edge) to be spawned, the element is classified into one of several use cases. Each database table is analyzed based on its key and non-key fields, according to use-case-dependent rules, to determine whether it should be augmented with a new entry for the new element instance. If yes, then the database table can be augmented, or can be marked for augmentation upon a subsequent request for a new instance of the graph element. Efficient and reliable growth of large and complex relational databases is enabled. Examples are provided across a wide range of domains. Certain variants are also disclosed.