Abstract
Semi-Formal Query Language Interface (SFQI) is a user interface for interaction with database systems. SFQI is based on a Semi-Formal Query Language (SFQL) which is an enhancement of SQL. SFQI provides facilities for guiding users in performing database querying, such as formulating a valid database query, refining user-misconceptions and modifying database query misconstructions. The syntax of SFQL is not as rigid as in most database query languages. The system provides logical database navigation and users are not required to know, in detail, the structure of the database being queried.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Astrahan M.M., Chamberlin D.D. Implementation of a structured English query language. Communications of the ACM 1976, 18, pp 580–587
Cha S.K. Kaleidoscope: A Cooperative Menu-Guided Query Interface (SQL Version). IEEE Trans. on Knowledge And Data Engineering 1991, 3, pp 42–47
Cha S.K., Wiederhold G. Kaleidoscope Data Model for An English-like Query Language. In Proc. 17th Int. Conf. on Very Large Data Bases, pp 351–361. Lohman G.M., Sernadas A., Camps R. (ed), Morgan Kaufmann Publ., 1991
Chang N.S., Fu K.S. Query-by-Pictorial-Example. IEEE Trans. on Software Eng. 1980, 6, pp 519–525
Chang N.S., Fu K.S. Picture Query Languages for Pictorial Data-Base Systems. IEEE Computer 1981, 11, pp 23–33
Chaudhuri S. Generalization and a framework for query modification. In Proc. IEEE Data Engineering Conf., pp 138–145. IEEE Computer Society, 1990
Greenblatt D., Waxman J. A study of three database query languages. In Databases: Improving Usability and Responsiveness, pp 77–97. Shneiderman B.(ed), Academic Press, 1978
Grosz B.J., Appelt D.E., Pereira F.C.N. TEAM: An Experiment In The Design of Transportable Natural-Language Interfaces. Artificial Intell. 1987, 32, pp 173–243
Harris L.R. Experience with Robot in 12 Commercial Natural Language Data Base Query Applications. In Proc. 6th Int. Joint Conf. on Artificial Intell., pp 365–368. Int. Joint Conf. Publ., 1979
Johnson T. Natural Language computing: the commercial applications. Ovum Ltd., London, 1985
Kim H.J., Korth H.F., Silberschatz A. PICASSO: A Graphical Query Language. Software Practice and Experience 1988, 18, pp 169–203
Lin D. Automatic Logical Navigation Among Relations Using Steiner Trees. In 5th Int. Conf. On Data Engineering, pp 582–588. ACM Press, 1989
Lin D. Parsing semantic dependencies in associative networks. In Proc. 3rd Int. Conf. on Industrial and Eng. Appl. of Artificial Intell. and Expert Syst., pp 467–471. ACM Press, 1990
Maier D. and Ullman J.D. Maximal objects and the semantics of universal relational databases. ACM Trans. on Database Systems 1983, 8, pp 1–14
Martin P., Appelt D.E., Grosz B.J., Pereira F. TEAM: an experimental transportable natural-language interface. In: Proc. Fall Joint Computer Conf., pp 260–267. Stone H.S. (ed), IEEE Computer Society, 1986
MdSap M.N., McGregor D.R. SFQI: An English-Like User Interface to Relational Databases. Technical Report IKBS-14–93, Department of Computer Science, University of Strathclyde, U.K, 1993
MdSap M.N., McGregor D.R. A High Level Query Language Interface: An Alternative Approach. In Proc. 7th Int. Conf. on Industrial and Eng. Appl. of Artificial Intell. and Expert Syst., pp 97–116. Anger F.D., Rodriguez R.V., Ali A. (ed), Gordon and Breach Science Publ., 1994
MdSap M.N., McGregor D.R. SFQI: An English-Like User Interface to Relational Databases. Technical Report in preparation, Department of Computer Science, University of Strathclyde, U.K, 1994
Motro A. FLEX: A tolerant and cooperative user interfaces to databases. IEEE Trans. On Knowledge And Data Engineering 1990, 2, pp 231–246
Owolabi O., McGregor D.R. Fast Approximate String Matching. Software Practice and Experience 1988, 18, pp 387–393
Reisner P. Use of psychological experimentation as an aid to the development of a query language. IEEE Trans. on Software Engineering 1977, 3, pp 218–229
Reisner P. Human factor studies of database query language: A survey and assessment. Computing Surveys 1981, 13, pp 13–31
Ridder D.D. An open natural query system, general description. BIM Information Technology, 1989
Shneiderman B. The Future of Interactive Systems and the Emergence of Direct Manipulation. In Designing the User Interface: Strategies for Effective Human Computer Interaction, pp 1–27. Addison-Wesley, Reading MA, 1986
Small D.W., Weldon L.J. An Experimental Study of Natural Language and Structured Query Languages. Human Factors 1983, 25, pp 253–263
Welty C. Correcting User Errors in SQL. Int. Journal of Man-Machine Studies 1985, 22, pp 463–447
Zloof M. Query-by-example: a database language. IBM System Journal 1977, 16, pp 324–343
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1995 Springer-Verlag London
About this paper
Cite this paper
MdSap, M.N., McGregor, D.R. (1995). SFQI: Semi-Formal Query Language Interface to Relational Databases. In: Sawyer, P. (eds) Interfaces to Database Systems (IDS94). Workshops in Computing. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-3818-1_6
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-3818-1_6
Publisher Name: Springer, London
Print ISBN: 978-3-540-19910-6
Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-3818-1
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive