MULTI-STEP QUERY EXECUTION IN SQL SERVER

Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided that construct and execute multi-step query plans in a database application. A database application accepts a query such as, for example, a graph query. The database application generates a physical query plan comprising a set of execution steps that perform the query. The set of execution steps comprises at least an initial step, an intermediate step and a final step. The database executes the query by passing control to the initial step that, when complete, passes execution control to some other step. The intermediate step executes and when complete, may pass execution control to any other step including itself. Steps may be configured to communicate arbitrary data between steps. The generated query plan may also comprise multiple multi-step sequences, and such sequences may be configured to execute in the alternative based on intermediate query results, or a parameter included in the query.