Importance

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Abstract

A database system wherein one or more entry databases store a plurality of entries. Each entry is of a given type that defines the fields of the entry. Each field contains or identifies an object with associated attributes or data. The type of each entry may further define behavior in the form of methods the entry can implement. An entry type which is a subtype of another inherits all fields and behavior of its super-type, and contains additional fields and/or defines new/modified behavior. Entries may be expressed in a Java.TM. programming language. The database system may further employ a search engine which allows queries to be made upon entries in the database. In one implementation, the queries include a read operation, a take operation, and a notify operation. Each query request includes a command indicating the type of operation, and a template which is an entry object having some or all of its fields set to specific values that must be matched exactly. Other fields of the template entry may be specified as wildcards, whose values do not matter. The search engine may further be configured to create an index for caching entries having characteristics which are commonly specified by queries. In one implementation, the databases may also store and perform operations on sets of entries. Additionally, associating attributes to the fields of entries allows the system to achieve type-safe attribute matching.

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First Claim