Gql, a declarative graphical query language based on the functional data model

ABSTRACT

We present in this paper Gql, a declarative graphical query language based on the functional data model. Gql queries are fully represented by a single diagram. Without containing any explicit boolean operators or logical quantifiers, Gql provides users of varying degrees of programming experience, with the same expressive power for retrieval as SQL. The design philosophy and characteristics of the language are discussed, and an informal presentation of Gql's constructs and semantics is given. Finally, gql_int, the implementation of an interface for the language, is described.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  D. Software
  D.1 PROGRAMMING TECHNIQUES

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
      D.2.2 Design Tools and Techniques
          Subjects: User interfaces

  H. Information Systems
  H.2 DATABASE MANAGEMENT
      H.2.1 Logical Design
          Subjects: Data models
      H.2.3 Languages
          Subjects: Query languages

General Terms:
Algorithms, Design, Languages