Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 3
Concept-Oriented Query
Language for Data
Modeling and Analysis
Alexandr Savinov
SAP Research Center Dresden, Germany
ABSTRACT
This chapter describes a novel query language, called the concept-oriented query language (COQL),
and demonstrates how it can be used for data modeling and analysis. The query language is based on a
novel construct, called concept, and two relations between concepts, inclusion and partial order. Concepts
generalize conventional classes and are used for describing domain-specific identities. Inclusion relation
generalizes inheritance and is used for describing hierarchical address spaces. Partial order among
concepts is used to define two main operations: projection and de-projection. This chapter demonstrates
how these constructs are used to solve typical tasks in data modeling and analysis such as logical navi-
gation, multidimensional analysis, and inference.
INTRODUCTION
A model is a mathematical description of a world aspect and a data model provides means for data
organization in the form of some structural principles. These structural principles are used to break all
elements into smaller groups making access to and manipulation of data more efficient for end-users and
applications. The concept-oriented model (COM) is a novel general-purpose approach to data model-
