Enriching the conceptual basis for query formulation through relationship semantics in databases

Abstract

The rapid increase in end-user computing calls into question the suitability of existing database query languages (DBQLs). Because the typical DB end-user is not a DB specialist, it is essential that DBQLs use concepts that are as close as possible to those in the end-users’ cognitive mental model and adopt interface techniques that are suited to end-users’ abilities. Concept-based query languages are well suited for this. This realization has motivated further research in conceptual, or semantic, query approaches. However, the primary focus in this field has been on semantic query optimization, not on query formulation. In this study, we address ourselves to the problem of formulation of queries using concepts. We propose a concept-based query language, called the conceptual query language (CQL), which allows for the conceptual abstraction of database queries and exploits the rich semantics of data models to ease and facilitate query formulation. The CQL approach uses the relationship semantics of semantic data models to render transparent the technical complexities of existing DB query languages. Association semantics are also used to automatically construct query graphs and pseudo-natural language explanations of queries, and to generate SQL codes. A set theoretic formalism for conceptual queries is developed and used. This paper discusses the design of CQL, its expressive power, its implementation, and the strategies for CQL query processing. The implementation of a CQL prototype is briefly discussed in this paper. User experiments were carried out extensively and showed the advantage of CQL over alternative languages such as SQL.