A framework for choosing a database query language

Abstract

This paper presents a systematic approach to matching categories of query language interfaces with the requirements of certain user types. The method is based on a trend model of query language development on the dimensions of functional capabilities and usability. From the trend model the following are derived: a classification scheme for query languages, a criterion hierarchy for query language evaluation, a comprehensive classification scheme of query language users and their requirements, and preliminary recommendations for allocating language classes to user types.The method integrates the results of existing human factors studies and provides a structured framework for future research in this area. Current and expected developments are exemplified by the description of "new generation" database query languages. In a practical query language selection problem, the results of this paper can be used for preselecting suitable query language types; the final selection decision will also depend on organization-specific factors, such as the available database management system, hardware and software strategies, and financial system costs.

Framework for evaluation and selection of the software packages: A hybrid knowledge based system approach

“…Methodology is not intended as rigid structure, it is intended as guideline or aid that can be adapted according to requirements of the individual organization. On the basis of review of literature we have developed a generic stage based methodology for selection of the software packages which comprises six stages as follows: Jarkee and Vassiliou (1985) Database query language Yes No Yes Reimann and Waren (1985) DSS software Yes No No Shtub et al (1988) Operations management software Yes No Yes Toshtzar (1988) Computer software Yes No Yes Blanc and Jelassi (1989) DSS software Yes Yes Yes Arditi and Singh (1991) Software in constructing accounting Yes No No Blanc and Korn (1992) CASE tools Yes Yes No Stylianou et al (1992) Expert system shell Yes Yes No Plessis (1993) CASE tool Yes No Yes Chau (1995) Software in small businesses Yes No No Hlupic and Paul (1996) Manufacturing simulation software Yes Yes No Kontio et al (1996) COTS selection Yes Yes Yes Kiper et al (1997) Visual programming language Yes No Yes Nikoukaran et al (1998) Simulation software Yes No No Collier et al (1999) Data mining software Yes Yes Yes Lai et al (1999) Multimedia authoring system Yes No Yes Ossadnik and Lange (1999) AHP software Yes No Yes Illa et al (2000) ERP Yes Yes No Patel and Hlupic (2002) Knowledge management tool Yes Yes No Tewoldeberhan et al (2002) Discrete-event simulation Yes Yes Yes Adhikari et al (2004) International accounting software Yes No No Colombo and Francalanci (2004) CRM packages Yes Yes Yes Cochran and Chen (2005) Object oriented simulation software Yes No Yes Ngai and Chan (2005) Knowledge management tools Yes No Yes Kitchenham (1996) Software engineering methods and tools Yes Yes Yes Ochs et al (2001) COTS Assessment and Selection Yes Yes Yes 1. Requirement definition: The first and most important phase in software selection process is to identify functional and non functional requirements of the software.…”

Conversational querying

“…To measure the effectiveness of our algorithms, we built upon methodologies that have been used in query language comparisons [24] and general information retrieval [25].…”

Comparative Ease of Use of a Diagrammatic Vs. an Iconic Query Language

“…Therefore in the experiment, users of different skill levels will be asked to construct different types of queries. This choice reflects (and aims to validate) the current literature trend which relates the appropriateness of the visual representations to the level of the user's skill and to the kind of queries s/he wants to perform (see, e.g., [31,32,33]).…”

“…A few user classifications have been proposed in the database literature (e.g., [31,33,34]). Each of them identifies a certain number of features which permits the labeling of a homogeneous group of users.…”