Specifying queries as relational expressions

Abstract

This paper presents a data sublanguage called SQUARE, intended for use in ad hoc, interactive problem solving by non-computer specialists. SQUARE is based on the relational model of data, and is shown to be relationally complete; however, it avoids the quantifiers and bound variables required by languages based on the relational calculus. Facilities for query, insertion, deletion, and update on tabular data bases are described. A syntax is given, and suggestions are made for alternative syntaxes, including a syntax based on English key words for users with limited mathematical background.