Method and system for providing a multiple property searching capability

Abstract

A method and system for providing a multiple property search capability within an object-oriented distributed computing network are disclosed. In accordance with the method and system of the present invention, a permanent index which includes multiple property names is initially built. Next, a search expression, which includes at least one property name, is traversed in order to form a property name list. The property name list includes all of the property names which are specified within the search expression. After comparing the property name list with the permanent index, any of the specified property names which also exist in the permanent index is removed from the property name list. Thereafter, a determination is made as to whether or not there is any property name still remaining on the property name list. If there is at least one property name still remaining on the property list, a temporary index which includes all remaining property names is built, such that subsequent searches for frequently searched properties can be performed more efficiently by utilizing both the permanent index and the temporary index.