Sap Se

Andreas Gruenhagen

Stefan A Baeuerle

Timm Falter

Daniel Hutzel

Christian Stork

Reiner Singer

Kerstin Hoeft

Marcel Hermanns

Michael Brombach

Embodiments extend the relational model and language of standard SQL, to recognize features of higher level entity-relationship models (ERMs). SQL extensions implemented in the data design language (DDL) incorporate Entities (and Views) having custom-defined/semantic structure, rather than being limited to primitive types (e.g. flat tables as in standard SQL). Entities are defined similar to structured types with an underlying persistency, but with a uniquely identifying leading key. In DDL, these entities are combined with associations in the data model. The associations of the extended SQL reflect relationships between entities in the ERM. Associations are specified by adding an element to a source entity, with an association type pointing to a target entity. This may be complemented by providing optional information (e.g., cardinality, keys, filter conditions), up to a complete JOIN condition. In the query language (QL), JOINs may be replaced by the use of simple path expressions.

Database language extended to accommodate entity-relationship models

A new query language can be embedded in a business application programming language (e.g., the ABAP language). A query language consistent with implementations of the current subject matter can be based on a graph data-model of connected business objects (BO) or other data objects and can be designed as an efficient query language embedded into the business application programming language runtime, thereby allowing expression of business logic in a declarative manner.

Advanced business query language

Growing community of inventors

Walldorf, Germany

Andreas Gruenhagen