Working with databases

In this article we describe the function of databases within the AI-Framework.

Data

Data is everything that can be stored in a computer. This can be numbers like phone numbers and amounts, dates like birthdates or arrival dates, names and addresses of suppliers and customers, transactions like invoices or logistic movements, and much more.

Within databases, data can be linked together with relationships. That is why the term Relational Database is used. A customer, for example, is linked with his orders. This order is linked with its products, and so on.

Manipulating data

Data can be created, read, updated,  and deleted (CRUD). Data can be sorted ascending or descending on one or more fields. Data can also be filtered, in order to retrieve only customers from a certain town, for example. In order to manipulate data like that, a database programming language is needed, which is called a Query Language. 

A large number of Query Languages have been developed over the years.

When working with data in the AI-Framework, the developer does not need to know the tiny details of the database and its associated Query Language. The developer only needs to describe in detail within the model of the AI-Framework, telling it which data is needed. The AI-Framework will then automatically generate all necessary code in the Query Language used.

Supported databases

The software developer only needs to describe in detail within the model of the AI-Framework which data is needed. The AI-Framework will then automatically generate all necessary code in the Query Language used.

Currently, the AI-Framework can be used with the following databases. Other databases can be added to this list, without the developer having to make changes in his model.

Microsoft SQL Server	IBM Informix	SAP SQL Anywhere	Firebird

See for how to use databases in the model of the AI-Framework the article Databases . In the model the database is accessed regardless of the actual database used.