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Update on the development of Database languages-GQL

Graph Query Language, known as GQL (ISO/IEC 39075) is a database language for modeling structured data as a graph, and for storing, querying, and modifying that data in a property graph database and provides a vehicle for portability of data definitions and manipulation among GQL-implementations. Implementations may exist in environments that also support application programming languages, end-user query facilities, and various tools for database design, data administration, and performance optimization. There are two major graph data models in current use: the Resource Description Framework (RDF) model and the Property Graph model. GQL addresses the Property Graph model.

Property graphs organize data as entities called nodes (or, alternatively, vertices) and edges (or, alternatively, relationships). Each graph element (a node or an edge) can have associated labels and properties. The flexibility and intuitiveness of the data model and its emphasis on interconnections between graph elements make property graphs suitable for storing complex knowledge and for analytical tasks such as entity resolution, fraud detection, cyber security, and forecasting.

GQL is declarative and transactional, taking inspiration from SQL and from leading independently developed property graph languages. Property graphs select data primarily through path pattern matching. The flexible data model, the availability of path pattern matching, and the efficiency of traversing edges have led to increasing interest in property graph databases.

GQL provides a standard yet flexible common language for this growing market. GQL supports the same graph pattern matching syntax as SQL Property Graph Queries, ISO/IEC 9075-16, Information technology - Database languages SQL - Part 16: Property Graph Queries (SQL/PGQ). While SQL/PGQ provides the property graph data model and graph pattern matching integrated into a relational SQL database, GQL is intended for property graphs which provide graph data management independent from SQL.

The INCITS/Data Management Technical Committee serves as the U.S. mirror committee to international committee ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 32, Data Management and Interchange.

Interested in participating in further developments of Database languages?  Find out more information about membership in the committee, here.

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About INCITS: the InterNational Committee for Information Technology Standards (INCITS) – is the central U.S. forum dedicated to creating technology standards for the next generation of innovation.  INCITS members combine their expertise to create the building blocks for globally transformative technologies. From cloud computing to communications, from transportation to health care technologies, INCITS is the place where innovation begins. INCITS is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and is affiliated with ITI. Visit www.incits.org to learn more.