A Universal Relational Operator

Abstract

We present a single relational operator which, in combination with a simple core language for manipulating atoms and tuples, generalizes all standard unary and binary operators in relational databases, while permitting a more intuitive query style. The new operator, factor, is based on a unique factorization of relations. We present an example language and demonstrate how the usual operators appear as simple and intuitive instances of factor. We further show that many new operators and combinations of old ones can be expressed in concise terms using factor. The factor versions will always be evaluated as efficiently as the originals and will sometimes even lead to a speed-up.