Discussed is a high-level data base management language that provides the user with a convenient and unified interface to query, update, define, and control a data base.

When the user performs an operation against the data base, he fills in an example of a solution to that operation in skeleton tables that can be associated with actual tables in the data base. The system is currently being used experimentally for various applications.

Query-by-example: a data base language

There has been a great interest recently in systems that use graphics to aid in the programming, debugging, and understanding of computer programs. The terms “Visual Programming” and “Program Visualization” have been applied to these systems. Also, there has been a renewed interest in using examples to help alleviate the complexity of programming. This technique is called “Programming by Example.” This paper attempts to provide more meaning to these terms by giving precise definitions, and then uses these definitions to classify existing systems into a taxonomy. A number of common unsolved problems with most of these systems are also listed.

Visual programming, programming by example, and program visualization: a taxonomy

Query-by-Example is a query language for use by non-programmers querying a relational data base. In an earlier paper, the features of this language were introduced; however, it was assumed that the data base was already defined and available to the user.In the first part of this paper we demonstrate that the operations of Query-by-Example can be used not only to query the data base but also to define it, including data descriptions and declarations of various integrity constraints. This is an attempt to provide the user with a simplified, unified interface for a variety of functions.In the second part of this paper it is shown how one can make preliminary interrogations to retrieve a subset of the data base needed for the formulation of a specific query. This becomes very useful in cases where the data-base is very large and the user's initial task of scanning the tables for the ones relevant to his specific query becomes by itself horrendous.

Query-by-example: the invocation and definition of tables and forms

Generation of output or reports on information contained in a data source which may be any of two or more types of source data, in a standardized or uniform manner is provided. A plurality of drivers are provided specific to different types of source data which include programming for identifying structural or other characteristics of the various data sources, e.g. for use in defining a new database. Preferably the new database is configured to permit highly flexible and/or rapid output or reporting or is otherwise optimized for reporting purposes. In one embodiment, the present invention includes conversion of one or more data sources into one or more uniform databases, preferably generating one or more key categories for organizing the data, optionally generating category groupings or rollups and additional data or optional references. In one embodiment, one or more databases are created which have a degree of uniformity of structure, even though they may be based on two or more different data sources which may have very different structures. The different data sources are automatically analyzed and this analysis can be used to identify and/or create categories of data for use in organizing the database.

Data retrieval method and apparatus with multiple source capability

The demand for new or expanded computer-based information systems far exceeds the capacity of present DP organizations to meet this demand. Assuming that a massive expansion of DP personnel is not feasible, one solution is to make existing computer professionals more productive; and efforts in this direction have met with a fair measure of success. Another approach is to allow end users to function as their own developers. In this way, the programmer "middle man" is eliminated and users can create and modify their own applications as the need arises. Not only does this help relieve the DP department's development workload, but it also helps lessen the maintenance load. However, to accomplish this transfer of application development from DP professional to DP user, certain key variables must be understood.

This article discusses these variables, including the nature of the development process, a user classification scheme, the scope and orientation of systems, and the respective roles of design and maintenance in the applications development life cycle. In particular, the misunderstood mature of "maintenance" is explored, as well as the potential value of the use of application prototypes. Finally, there is a discussion of specific tools and techniques that may aid the end user in acting as application developer.

End users as application developers

The system for business automation (SBA) is a system within which application experts—nonprogrammers—can describe and execute their applications on a computer. The user of SBA views his application as manipulation of information in two-dimensional pictures of tables, business forms, and reports on a display terminal. He can gradually automate this application by giving “examples” to the system of how he manually manipulates the information. The Query-by-Example database language is a subset of the SBA programming language.

The system for business automation (SBA): programming language

The System for Business Automation (SBA) is a system within which application experts—non-programmers—can describe and execute their applications on a computer. This paper describes the programming language part of the system. This language is a superset of Zloof's Query-by-Example. In Query-by-Example the user retains the perception of manual table manipulation by programming within two-dimensional skeleton tables displayed on the screen. In SBA the user programs within skeletons of more general business entities such as tables, forms, charts, etc. Within these displays the user programs his application as a series of Query-by-Example operations. This system can also run in a part manual, part automated manner, thus permitting fast initial use of the computer together with gradual automation of the business.

The System for Business Automation (SBA): Programming language

The system for business automation provides a new design methodology with which business applications can be automated by non-professional programmers onto a computer. This methodology retains the users manual perception of his application, it allows a gradual automation of the application, each application within a business system can be designed with only local knowledge of the business, and frames of reference are provided within which the application is designed.

Application design within the system for business automation (SBA)

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The system for business automation (SBA): programming language

The System for Business Automation (SBA): Programming language

Application design within the system for business automation (SBA)