Data exploration system and method

Abstract

Preferred embodiments of the invention provide a system for, and method of, exploring relationships in data stored in a computer readable medium. A query is received having at least one operator chosen from a set of operators that includes relational operators and having at least one input and output associated with the operator and defined as a table having at least one domain having a type associated therewith. The query is transformed into a set program having at least one operation structure, corresponding to the operator and having logic for type-independently performing an operation, corresponding to the operator, and having a data relation structure, cooperating with the operation structure, for handling all data access and storage associated with the operation.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for exploring relationships in data stored in a computer readable medium, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a set of operators that includes relational operators and non-relational operators;    receiving a query having at least one operator chosen from the set of operators; transforming the query into a set program having at least one operation structure, corresponding to the at least one operator;    type-independently, and without inherent meaning, performing an operation, corresponding to the at least one operator, and    providing a data structure that cooperates with the operation structure and handles data access and storage associated with the operation.