The visual query language CQL for transitive and relational computation

摘要

Classification query language (CQL) is a high-level visual query language with a great expressive power. In CQL the processing of ordinary relations and classifications based on transitive relationships is integrated seamlessly. Relations and classifications are represented in the visual interface in a uniform way through relation and classification skeletons. All query formulation in CQL is QBE-like – based on the intuitive way of filling constants and sample values into the skeletons. In order to guarantee great expressive power, relational and classification expressions can be nested freely with each other at unlimited nesting levels. Recursive definition of transitive processing is totally hidden from the users. The query interface and its implementation are described briefly.