International Business Machines Corporation

Mark A Brodhun

Richard D Dettinger

Daniel Paul Kolz

Janice R Glowacki

A method, system and article of manufacture for managing relationships between database tables and, more particularly, for identifying and accurately describing relationships between tables in a database. One embodiment provides a method for identifying relationships between tables in a database. The method comprises receiving user input selecting a plurality of tables from the database. The plurality of tables is organized into a logical island defining a logical unit related to a particular logical entity. The method further comprises receiving user input identifying, for each of the plurality of tables, a table column containing information that identifies the particular logical entity in the table, whereby the identified table columns of different tables define logical relationships between the different tables in the logical island. On the basis of the identified table columns, relations specifications are created which describe the logical relationships between the different tables in the logical island.

Management of relationships between database tables

System and article of manufacture for managing modifications to at least one of a plurality of interdependent data objects. A computer-readable storage medium contains a program which, when executed by a processor, performs operations for managing modifications to at least one of a plurality of interdependent data objects. The operations include receiving a request for modification of a given data object having at least one dependent data object and accessing a directory of dependencies containing records for each of the interdependent data objects including the at least one dependent data object. Each record describes an interdependency between at least two of the interdependent data objects. A record for the at least one dependent data object describes an interdependency between the given data object and the at least one dependent data object. Using the accessed directory of dependencies, the interdependency between the given data object and the at least one dependent data object is identified. On the basis that the identified interdependency presents a possible undesired consequence if the requested modification is performed, a predefined action is performed.

Techniques for managing interdependent data objects

A method, system and article of manufacture for managing modifications to at least one of a plurality of interdependent data objects. The method comprises receiving a request for modification of a given data object having at least one dependent data object and accessing a directory of dependencies containing records for each of the interdependent data objects including the at least one dependent data object. Each record describes an interdependency between at least two of the interdependent data objects. A record for the at least one dependent data object describes an interdependency between the given data object and the at least one dependent data object. Using the accessed directory of dependencies, the interdependency between the given data object and the at least one dependent data object is identified. On the basis that the identified interdependency presents a possible undesired consequence if the requested modification is performed, a predefined action is performed.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for managing and controlling the size and location of windows in a GUI-based computer system. Specifically, a window control mechanism is provided to enhance the basic functional features of a window in any windowing environment. By interacting with the window control mechanism, a user can quickly and easily relocate and resize a window without unnecessary mouse movement. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the user invokes the window control mechanism by positioning the cursor over the title bar of a window and using both buttons of a two button mouse. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the user invokes the window control mechanism by positioning the cursor over a window decoration and using both buttons of a two button mouse. Yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention allows the user to specify a keyboard keystroke combination to invoke the window control mechanism.

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Byron, MN, United States of America

Mark A Brodhun