USoft Rule Language

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For some users, the use of SQL when specifying constraints can prove to be difficult. To aid these users, an alternative syntax is available: USoft Rule Language. This goes some way towards simplifying the definition of constraints, without affecting the use of SQL for those users who prefer SQL. USoft Rule Language is only for use when defining constraints, that is, in the Table Constraints and to a lesser extent, Domain Constraints definition info windows of the Definer.

NOTE: USoft Rule Language cannot be used in place of SQL in Logical Views or USoft Batch constructs.

USoft Rule Language keywords

The main USoft Rule Language keywords are:

FOR + Object Name Plural

DO NOT ALLOW THAT (for conditional constraints, and optionally for corrective constraints)

ADD WHERE NOT EXISTS (for corrective INSERT constraints)

MAKE SURE THAT (for corrective UPDATE constraints)

CONNECTED AS (equivalent to SQL’s “RELATE”)

WHERE (equivalent to SQL's WHERE)

REMOVE ALL

FOR WHICH

GROUPED BY

More details and examples of how these keywords are used are provided in the related topics, below.

See also

USoft Rule Language and table constraints

USoft Rule Language and Object Name Plurals

USoft Rule Language and domain Constraints

USoft Rule Language examples: Simple constraints

USoft Rule Language examples: Query statements with subquery

USoft Rule Language examples: Query statements with join

USoft Rule Language examples: Update statements

USoft Rule Language examples: Delete statements

USoft Rule Language examples: GROUPED BY clause

USoft Rule Language examples: Statements without conditions

USoft Rule Language examples: Variable constraint messages