Self-configuration of database tables

A system for accessing data, comprising:

• a database comprising one or more tables, each comprising one or more columns for storing data;
• an application program, comprising:
• means for requesting access to a database table;
• and
• means for executing an attempt to access the database table;
• and
• a table definition module, comprising:
• means for intercepting an error message if the attempt to access the database table fails;
• and
• means for attempting to correct a database table defect in response to the error message;
• the application program further comprising means for re-executing the attempt to access the database table following correction of the database table.

A program storage device readable by a computer coupled to a database and an application program, the program storage device tangibly embodying a program executable by the computer and comprising instructions for:

• opening an application program;
• receiving a request to access a database table;
• attempting a first execution of instructions in the application program to access the database table;
• intercepting in a table definition module an error message if the database table is defective;
• in response to the error message, executing instructions within the table definition module to correct a database table defect;
• and
• following correction of the database table defect, attempting a second execution of the instructions to access the database table.