Method and system for specifying and displaying table joins in relational database queries

A system for inferring and displaying a selection of valid table joins for a relational database query specifying a plurality of user-selected database tables, comprising:

• a computer having a display device and an electronic storage device coupled thereto for storing a relational database, the query being performed by the computer to retrieve data from the relational database;
• means, performed by the computer, for assisting in a user's selection of a table join by displaying all user-selected database tables in a join overview diagram and automatically inferring and displaying in a join grid each join grid row having a potential valid table join for a pair of user-elected database tables;
• means, performed by the computer, accepting the user's selection of a join grid row from the join grid;
• and
• means, performed by the computer, responsive to the user's selection of a join grid row from the join grid for placing a join indicator in the join overview diagram between icons representing the pair of user-selected database tables from the user-selected join grid row.

A program storage device readable by a computer tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the computer to perform method steps for inferring and displaying on a display device a selection of valid table joins for a relational database query specifying a plurality of user-selected database tables stored in an electronic storage device coupled to the computer, the method comprising the following steps:

• (a) assisting in a user's selection of a table join by displaying all user-selected database tables in a join overview diagram and automatically inferring and displaying in a join grid each join grid row having a potential valid table join for a pair of user-selected database tables;
• (b) accepting the user's selection of a join grid row from the join grid;
• and
• (c) responsive to the user's selection of a join grid row from the join grid, placing a join indicator in the join overview diagram between icons representing the pair of user-selected database tables from the user-selected join grid row.