Flexible data processing for controlling follow semantics to manage relationships of database objects in a database system

A device, including:

• at least one processor and memory coupled to the processor, the memory holding follow-model definition data structures and computer instructions implementing applying a plurality of the follow-models to define feed content and presentation in a follower's data feed;
• wherein
• follow semantics for the follow-model are rooted to an object entity or container entity;
• the follower's data feed is populated by items specified by follow-models applied to object entities and/or container entities being followed;
• presentation of the items in the follower's data feed is determined by the follow-models applied;
• the follow-models definition data structures are differentiated by definition of:
• items to select based on the object entities and/or container entities being followed;
• ordering and/or grouping of the items;
• outline structure and/or appearance of structured sequences of the items;
• the computer instructions further implementing:
• receiving input selecting a follow-model to apply to an object entity or container entity being followed;
• and
• applying the selected follow-models to organize item selection and feed presentation for display when followers request a view of their respective data feeds.

A computer readable storage medium including:

• memory holding follow-model definition data structures and computer instructions that, when executed on a processor, implement application of a plurality of the follow-models to define feed content and presentation in a follower's data feed;
• wherein
• follow semantics for the follow-model are rooted to an object entity or container entity;
• the follower's data feed is populated by items specified by follow-models applied to object entities and/or container entities being followed;
• presentation of the items in the follower's data feed is determined by the follow-models applied;
• the follow-models definition data structures are differentiated by definition of:
• items to select based on the object entities and/or container entities being followed;
• ordering and/or grouping of the items;
• outline structure and/or appearance of structured sequences of the items;
• the computer instructions further implement:
• receiving input selecting a follow-model to apply to an object entity or container entity being followed;
• and
• applying the selected follow-models to organize item selection and feed presentation for display when followers request a view of their respective data feeds.