DBXplorer: a system for keyword-based search over relational databases

Abstract

Internet search engines have popularized the keyword-based search paradigm. While traditional database management systems offer powerful query languages, they do not allow keyword-based search. In this paper, we discuss DBXplorer, a system that enables keyword-based searches in relational databases. DBXplorer has been implemented using a commercial relational database and Web server and allows users to interact via a browser front-end. We outline the challenges and discuss the implementation of our system, including results of extensive experimental evaluation.