In this paper a logical framework called ULTRA is presented that can serve as the basis for a variety of update languages, among others extensions of the database language SQL, accommodating nested update queries and universal quantification over updates. We give a complete definition of the syntax and semantics of the ULTRA language based on concepts of logic databases.A natural candidate for an instantiation of the ULTRA framework is a database update language which we discuss in this paper as one example. However, the framework is not tied to database applications and can also deal with states and actions of other external systems such as robot control systems or workflow engines. The semantics of an update goal is defined as a structured transition. Depending on the selected execution model, the materialization of a transition can be either deferred or performed immediately.
Erika Cetindag