Method and system for simulating a database table in response to a database query

The present invention generally relates to database management systems, and more particularly to providing access to data stored in a plurality of tables using a standardized query. In specific embodiments, access is provided to data stored in a plurality of tables and/or generated by a plurality of programs, Mapper runs, or any program capable of being invoked by a Mapper run. A method and system for providing access to data stored in a plurality of data sets. A simulated table definition is hosted by a server and includes selected data definitions from the plurality of tables. Data extraction logic is hosted by the server and extracts data from the plurality of tables into memory of the server consistent with the simulated table definition and responsive to a request for access to the simulated table. Interface logic is also hosted by the server and is coupled to the data extraction logic. The interface logic transmits the extracted data to the requester consistent with the simulated table and returns for reuse the memory occupied by data of the simulated table after transmitting the data.