What is a GQL Standard?
What is in a Graph Query Language Standard?
The current thought is that the GQL Standard will be two or three parts that include:
Incorporate by reference specifications from SQL/Framework and SQL/Foundation (ISO/IEC JTC1 9075:2016 parts 1 & 2), including:
Some scalar data types
Operations, functions, and predicates for the scalar types
Transaction model (isolation level, COMMIT, ROLLBACK, etc.)
Security model
Client model and session model?
By referencing the existing specifications in the SQL standard, GQL eliminates the need to redo a lot of detailed foundational work.
Capabilities needed by both SQL/PGQ (Property Graph Queries in SQL) and the GQL standard
Originally integrated into SQL/PGQ:2020
Split into a separate part as GQL project progresses, referenced by both GQL and SQL/PGQ
Graph Pattern Matching
Etc...
GQL Specific Capabilities
Graph-only data types
Vertex
Edge
Path
Graph operations not included in SQL:/PGQ:2020
Graph analog of SQL/Schemata
Possible Timeline for a GQL Standard
The following is a speculative, optimistic timeline for the progression of a formal Graph Query Language Standard
2019-09 – 39075 Database Language GQL project approved - this is the start
2021-03 – CD Ballot starts
2021-06 – CD Ballot comment resolution
2021-09 – DIS (Draft International Standard) Ballot
2022-02 – Comment resolution
2022-05 – FDIS (Final DIS) Ballot
2022-08 – International Standard
This timeline depends on work that has not yet been done.