database engine

Greetings, What exactly does the background process "sqlexec" do? (Note: the equivalent process is called "pstartsql" on PC version). Specifically, is the sqlexec program parsing the SQL statements ("SELECT * FROM foo"), or are they pre-parsed to some intermediate form? How is information passed back and forth between the 4gl/esql-C program and the database engine? For example, if a query returns 100 rows from a table, how can a pointer to this information be passed back to the calling program? Why can't all functions that the engine fulfills be incorporated into the 4gl/esql-C program itself? Why must we have this phantom program floating around in the background? The purpose of sqlexec is not addressed in the documentation, since we aren't supposed to be interested in the internal-guts of how the database works. So, this is a fine chance for an I-Guru to show off. Curiously Yours, Todd Glidden doimic01@saad-emh1.army.mil Disclaimer: The questions/opinions expressed are mine and mine alone. If my employers were aware of my opinions, they would most assuredly tell me to get back to work.