lore 0.4.2

data/table_accessor.rb

@@ -0,0 +1,1926 @@
+
+require('logger')
+require('lore/types')
+require('lore/clause')
+require('lore/aspect')
+require('lore/table_instance')
+require('lore/table_selector')
+require('lore/table_inserter')
+require('lore/table_updater')
+require('lore/table_deleter')
+require('lore/query_shortcuts')
+require('lore/model_shortcuts')
+
+module Lore
+
+class Table_Accessor 
+  include Table_Instance
+  extend Aspect
+  extend Query_Shortcuts
+  extend Model_Shortcuts
+
+  attr_reader :constraints, :foreign_keys, :primary_keys, :attributes, :attribute_types
+
+  @@logger = Logger.new(Lore.logfile)
+
+  def self.log(message, level=:debug)
+    @@logger.debug(message)
+  end
+  def log(message, level=:debug)
+    @@logger.debug(message)
+  end
+
+  # tell dispatchers to validate Table_Accessors
+  def self.validate_params?() true end 
+
+  # {{{ FIELDS
+  # foreign_keys is a hash that looks like: 
+  # "foreign_table"   => array ("foreign_key1", "foreign_key_2" ... )
+  @foreign_keys          = Hash.new
+  
+  # primary_keys is a hash holding the own foreign key fields, 
+  # and the parents ones: 
+  # "parent_table"   => array ("prim_key_1", "prim_key_2", ... )
+  # "own_table"     => array ("prim_key_1", "prim_key_2", ... )
+  @primary_keys          = Hash.new
+
+  # implicit|explicit_attributes = Hash {'table_a' => 
+  #                    { 'attrib_a1', attrib_a2, ... }, 
+  #                      'table_b' =>
+  #                    { 'attrib_b1', attrib_b2, ... }, 
+  #                     ...}
+  # implicit_attributes stores attributes that will be resolved implicitly
+  # and do not have to be passed on self.create
+  @implicit_attributes   = Hash.new
+  # explicit_attributes stores attributes that have to be passed 
+  # on self.create and will not be resolved implicitly
+  @explicit_attributes   = Hash.new
+  
+  # Array storing sequences for primary keys. If no sequence is set, 
+  # the value for this primary key has to be resolved from parent, 
+  # or passed directly. 
+  @sequences             = Hash.new
+  
+  # Hash holding own table attribute fields as string
+  @attributes            = nil
+
+  # Like @attributes, but listing fields as array 
+  # Example: 
+  #   [ 'public.the_table.foo', 'public.other_table.bar' ] 
+  @attribute_array       = Array.new 
+  
+  # array holding own table attribute types as { 'attrib_name' => int type}
+  @attribute_types       = Hash.new
+  
+  # Holds own table name, defaults to self.class if not given. 
+  # If a schema has been set by 
+  # table :table_name, :schema_name
+  # table_name is schema_name.table_name
+  @table_name            = String.new
+  
+  # has_a, has_n and is_a hold all table names they are referring to: 
+  # array ("foreign_table_1", "foreign_table_2", ... )
+  # The respective foreign keys reside in foreign_keys: 
+  # foreign_keys["foreign_table_1"] -> array ("foreign_key_1", ... ) 
+  @has_a                 = Array.new
+  @has_n                 = Array.new
+
+  # Hash is_a holds the relational derivation tree of this class. 
+  @is_a                  = Hash.new
+  
+  # Hash is_a_klasses holds the relational derivation tree of this class. 
+  @is_a_klasses          = Hash.new
+  @has_a_klasses         = Hash.new
+
+  @constraints           = Hash.new
+
+  # Hash explicit holds table fields that are not to be updated
+  # implicitly, e.g. timestamps.
+  @explicit              = Hash.new
+
+  @labels                = Array.new
+  #}}} END FIELDS
+  
+  @input_filters         = Hash.new
+  @output_filters        = Hash.new
+
+  @@prepared_statements  = Hash.new
+    
+  @@cache_impl           = false
+
+  def self.entity_cache
+    @@cache_impl 
+  end
+
+  def self.use_entity_cache(entity_cache_class)
+    log('Setting cache implementation: ' << entity_cache_class.inspect)
+    @@cache_impl = entity_cache_class 
+  end
+
+  def self.flush_entity_cache
+    @@cache_impl.flush(self) if @@cache_impl
+  end
+
+  def self.create_entity_cache(query_string, result) 
+    @@cache_impl.create(self, query_string, result) if @@cache_impl
+  end
+
+  def self.read_entity_cache(query_string)
+    @@cache_impl.read(self, query_string) if @@cache_impl
+  end
+
+
+  ##########################################################################
+  # Recursively gets foreign keys from parent, if own
+  # foreign keys don't have been set, yet: 
+  def self.get_foreign_keys 
+  # {{{
+    
+    if @foreign_keys.nil? then
+      if @foreign_keys_klasses.nil? then
+        @foreign_keys = Hash.new
+      else
+        @is_a_klasses.each { |foreign_key, k|
+          @foreign_keys[k.table_name] << k.get_foreign_keys
+        }
+      end
+    else
+      return @foreign_keys
+    end
+
+  end # }}}
+  def self.set_foreign_keys(arg) 
+  # {{{
+    @foreign_keys = arg
+  end # }}}
+
+  ##########################################################################
+  # Recursively gets primary keys from parent, if own
+  # primary keys don't have been set, yet: 
+  # Returns all derived primary keys WITHOUT OWN PKEYS. 
+  def self.get_primary_keys 
+  # {{{
+    
+    if @primary_keys.nil? then
+      if @is_a_klasses.nil? then
+        return Hash.new
+      else
+        plain_base_pkeys     = Hash.new
+        formatted_base_pkeys = Hash.new
+        base_schema          = ''
+
+        get_is_a_klasses.each { |k|
+          plain_base_pkeys = k.get_primary_keys
+          base_schema = k.get_schema
+          if base_schema.nil? then 
+            formatted_base_pkeys.update(plain_base_pkeys)
+          else
+            plain_base_pkeys.each_pair { |key, value|
+              formatted_base_pkeys[base_schema+'.'+key] = value
+            }
+            return formatted_base_pkeys
+            @primary_keys = formatted_base_pkeys
+          end
+        }
+        return formatted_base_pkeys
+        @primary_keys = formatted_base_pkeys
+      end
+    else
+      return @primary_keys
+    end
+
+  end # }}}
+  
+  def self.key_array()
+  # {{{
+    keys = Array.new
+    get_primary_keys.each_pair { |table, attribs|
+      attribs.each { |attrib|
+        keys.push attrib
+      }
+    }
+    return keys
+  end # }}}
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+  # Recursively gets sequences from parent, if own
+  # sequences don't have been set, yet: 
+  def self.get_sequences 
+  # {{{
+    
+    if @sequences.nil? then
+      if @is_a_klasses.nil? then
+        return Hash.new
+      else
+        seq_map = Hash.new
+        @is_a_klasses.each_pair { |foreign_key,k|
+          seq_map[k.table_name] = k.get_sequences
+        }
+        return seq_map
+      end
+    else
+      return @sequences
+    end
+
+  end # }}}
+  
+  def self.set_sequences(arg) # :nodoc:
+  # {{{
+    @sequences = arg
+  end # }}}
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+  # @implicit_attributes getters/setters {{{
+
+  def self.set_implicit_attributes(arg) # :nodoc:
+    @implicit_attributes = arg
+  end # def
+  def self.get_implicit_attributes # :nodoc:
+    if @implicit_attributes.nil? then
+      return Hash.new
+    else 
+      return @implicit_attributes
+    end
+  end # def
+  # }}}
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+  # @explicit_attributes getters/setters {{{
+
+  def self.set_explicit_attributes(arg) # :nodoc:
+    @explicit_attributes = arg
+  end # def
+  def self.get_explicit_attributes # :nodoc:
+    
+    if @explicit_attributes.nil? then
+      return Hash.new
+    else
+    # filter entries that are present in @implicit_attributes: 
+      if !@implicit_attributes.nil? then
+        
+        @explicit_attributes.each_pair { |table, attribs|
+          attribs.delete_if { |attrib|
+            !@implicit_attributes[table].nil? &&
+            @implicit_attributes[table].include?(attrib.to_s)
+          }
+        }
+        
+      end
+
+      return @explicit_attributes
+      
+    end
+  end # def
+  # }}}
+  
+  def self.get_constraints
+
+    @constraints = Hash.new if @constraints.nil?
+    if !@is_a_klasses.nil? then
+      @is_a_klasses.each_pair { |foreign_key, klass|
+        @constraints.update(klass.get_constraints)
+      }
+    end
+    @constraints
+
+  end
+
+  ##########################################################################
+  # @table getters/setters {{{
+
+  def self.get_table_name # :nodoc:
+    return @table_name unless @table_name.nil? 
+    return ''
+  end
+  def self.table_name # :nodoc:
+    get_table_name
+  end
+  def self.set_table_name(arg) # :nodoc:
+    @table_name = arg
+  end
+
+  def self.get_table_names
+    return @table_names if @table_names
+    @table_names = [@table_name]
+    @table_names += get_is_a.keys_flat
+    return @table_names
+  end
+  def self.get_all_table_names
+    return @table_names if @table_names
+    @table_names = [@table_name]
+    @table_names += get_joins.keys_flat
+    return @table_names
+  end
+  # }}}
+
+
+protected
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+  # label setters/getters {{{
+
+  # Define attribute to use as label for instances of a Table_Accessor, 
+  # e.g. for select boxes. 
+  def self.use_label(*attribs)
+
+    @labels = attribs.map { |e| 
+
+      e = e.to_s # also removes Array wraps like [:attrib_name]
+
+      if((e.kind_of? Clause) or (e.include?('.'))) then
+        e = e.to_s 
+      else
+        e = @table_name + '.' << e.to_s
+      end
+    }
+    @label = attribs[0]
+  end
+  # Returns full name of attribute set to use as label e.g. for 
+  # select boxes. 
+  def self.get_label
+    @labels[0]
+  end
+
+  def self.get_labels
+    @labels
+  end
+
+  # }}}
+
+  ##########################################################################
+  # @attributes getters/setters {{{
+
+  def self.get_attributes # :nodoc:
+    return @attributes unless @attributes.nil? 
+    return Hash.new
+  end
+
+  def self.get_attribute_array
+    @attribute_array
+  end
+  
+  def self.set_attributes(arg) # :nodoc:
+    @attribute_array = [] 
+    @attributes = arg
+    @attributes.each_pair { |table, attribs| 
+      attribs.each { |a|
+        @attribute_array << "#{table}.#{a}"
+        @attribute_array << a
+      }
+    }
+  end
+  # }}}
+
+  def self.get_input_filters
+    @input_filters
+  end
+  def self.get_output_filters
+    @output_filters
+  end
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+  # @attribute_types getters/setters {{{
+
+  def self.get_attribute_types # :nodoc:
+    (@attribute_types.nil?) ? Hash.new : @attribute_types
+  end
+  def self.set_attribute_types(arg) # :nodoc:
+    @attribute_types = arg
+  end
+  def self.attribute_type(attrib_args={}) 
+    attrib_args[:table] = table_name unless attrib_args[:table]
+    @attribute_types[attrib_args[:table]][attrib_args[:attribute]]
+  end
+  # }}}
+  
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+  # @has_a getters/setters {{{
+  def self.get_has_a # :nodoc:
+    
+    if @has_a.nil? then
+      if @has_a_klasses.nil? then
+        @has_a = Array.new
+      else
+        @has_a_klasses.each { |k|
+          @has_a << k
+        }
+      end
+    else
+      return @has_a
+    end
+
+  end
+  def self.set_has_a(arg) # :nodoc: 
+    @has_a = arg
+  end
+  # }}}
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+  # @has_a getters/setters {{{
+
+  def self.get_has_n # :nodoc:
+    
+    if @has_n.nil? then
+      if @has_n_klasses.nil? then
+        @has_n = Array.new
+      else
+        @has_n_klasses.each { |k|
+          @has_n << k
+        }
+      end
+    else
+      return @has_n
+    end
+
+  end
+  def self.set_has_n(arg) # :nodoc:
+    @has_n = arg
+  end
+  # }}}
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+  # @is_a getters/setters {{{
+  # don't collect is_a from ancestors!
+
+  def self.get_is_a # :nodoc:
+    if @is_a.nil?
+      Hash.new
+    else 
+      @is_a
+    end
+  end
+  def self.set_is_a(arg) # :nodoc:
+    @is_a = arg
+  end
+  # }}}
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+  # @aggregates getters/setters {{{
+  # don't collect aggregates from ancestors!
+  
+  def self.get_aggregates # "nodoc:
+    if @aggregates.nil?
+      Hash.new
+    else 
+      @aggregates
+    end
+  end
+  def self.set_aggregates(arg) # :nodoc:
+    @aggregates = arg
+  end
+  # }}}
+
+  def self.get_joins
+  # {{{
+    @joins = get_is_a.dup.update(get_aggregates) if @joins.nil?
+    return @joins
+  end # def }}}
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+  # @is_a_klasses getters/setters {{{
+  # don't collect is_a from ancestors!
+
+  def self.get_is_a_klasses # :nodoc:
+    if @is_a_klasses.nil?
+      Hash.new
+    else 
+      @is_a_klasses
+    end
+  end
+  def self.set_is_a_klasses(arg) # :nodoc: 
+    @is_a_klasses = arg
+  end
+  # }}}
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+  # @aggregate_klasses getters/setters {{{
+  # don't collect is_a from ancestors!
+
+  def self.get_aggregate_klasses # :nodoc:
+    if @aggregate_klasses.nil?
+      Hash.new
+    else 
+      @aggregate_klasses
+    end
+  end
+  
+  def self.set_aggregate_klasses(arg) # :nodoc:
+    @aggregate_klasses = arg
+  end
+  # }}}
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+  # @has_a_klasses getters/setters {{{
+  # don't collect is_a from ancestors!
+
+  def self.get_has_a_klasses # :nodoc:
+    if @has_a_klasses.nil?
+      Hash.new
+    else 
+      @has_a_klasses
+    end
+  end
+  def self.set_has_a_klasses(arg) # :nodoc:
+    @has_a_klasses = arg
+  end
+  # }}}
+
+  ##########################################################################
+  # @explicit getters/setters {{{
+
+  def self.get_explicit # :nodoc:
+    if @explicit.nil?
+      Hash.new
+    else 
+      @explicit
+    end
+  end # def
+  def self.set_explicit(arg) # :nodoc:
+    @explicit = arg
+  end # def
+  # }}}
+
+  def self.cache_entities
+    @cache_entities = true
+  end
+  def self.cache_entities?
+    return false # Temp defunc
+    @cache_entities
+  end
+
+protected
+
+  def self.add_input_filter(attr_name, &block)
+    @input_filters = Hash.new if @input_filters.nil?
+    @input_filters[attr_name] = Proc.new &block
+  end
+
+  def self.add_output_filter(attr_name, &block)
+    @output_filters = Hash.new if @output_filters.nil?
+    @output_filters[attr_name] = Proc.new &block
+  end
+
+  def self.validates(attrib, constraints)
+  # {{{
+    if attrib.kind_of? Clause then
+      attrib_split = attrib.to_s.split('.')
+      table = attrib_split[0..-2]
+      attrib = attrib_split[-1]
+    else
+      table = get_table_name
+    end
+    attrib = attrib.intern unless attrib.instance_of? Symbol
+
+    @constraints = Hash.new if @constraints.nil?
+    @constraints[table] = Hash.new if @constraints[table].nil?
+    @constraints[table][attrib] = Hash.new
+
+    if constraints[:mandatory] then
+      add_explicit_attribute(table, attrib.to_s)
+    end
+    if constraints[:type] then
+    # @attribute_types[table][attrib] = constraints[:type]
+      @constraints[table][attrib][:type] = constraints[:type]
+    end
+    if constraints[:format] then
+      @constraints[table][attrib][:format] = constraints[:format]
+    end
+    if constraints[:length] then
+      if constraints[:length].kind_of? Range then
+        @constraints[table][attrib][:minlength] = constraints[:length].first
+        @constraints[table][attrib][:maxlength] = constraints[:length].last
+      else 
+        @constraints[table][attrib][:minlength] = constraints[:length]
+        @constraints[table][attrib][:maxlength] = constraints[:length]
+      end
+    end
+    if constraints[:minlength] then
+      @constraints[table][attrib][:minlength] = constraints[:minlength]
+    end
+    if constraints[:maxlength] then
+      @constraints[table][attrib][:maxlength] = constraints[:maxlength]
+    end
+  end # }}}
+  
+  def self.get_maxlength()
+  end
+
+private
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+  # 
+  def self.add_foreign_keys(args)
+  # {{{
+    
+    other_table = args.at(0).to_s  # first index is table name (see usage)
+  
+    new_foreign_keys = Hash.new
+    new_foreign_keys.update(get_foreign_keys)
+    new_foreign_keys[other_table] = args[1...args.length]
+  
+    set_foreign_keys(new_foreign_keys)
+    
+  end # }}}
+  
+private
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+  # Add single or multiple primary keys to @primary_keys[args.at(0)]: 
+  def self.add_primary_keys(args)
+  # {{{
+    
+    other_table = args.at(0)  # first index is table name (see usage)
+  
+    new_primary_keys = Hash.new
+    new_primary_keys.update(get_primary_keys)
+    
+    foreign_p_keys = args[1...args.length]
+    foreign_p_keys.collect! {|elem| elem.to_s}
+  
+    if(new_primary_keys[other_table].nil?)
+      new_primary_keys[other_table] = foreign_p_keys
+    else
+      new_primary_keys[other_table] += foreign_p_keys
+    end
+    
+    @primary_keys = new_primary_keys
+
+  end # }}}
+  
+private
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+  # Add one sequence to @sequences[table_name]: 
+  def self.add_sequence(table_name, field_name, sequence_name)
+  # {{{
+    
+      new_sequences = Hash.new
+      new_sequences.update(get_sequences)
+    
+      new_sequences[table_name] = Hash.new
+      if sequence_name != nil
+        new_sequences[table_name][field_name] = sequence_name.to_s
+      end
+      
+      set_sequences(new_sequences)
+
+  end # }}}
+
+private
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+  def self.add_attributes(attrib_hash)
+  # {{{
+    
+    new_attributes = Hash.new
+    new_attributes.update(get_attributes)
+    
+    new_attributes.update(attrib_hash)
+    
+    set_attributes(new_attributes)
+
+  end # }}}
+  
+private
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+  def self.add_attribute_types(attrib_hash)
+  # {{{
+    
+    new_types = Hash.new
+    new_types.update(get_attribute_types)
+    
+    new_types.update(attrib_hash)
+    
+    set_attribute_types(new_types)
+
+  end # }}}
+  
+private
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+  def self.add_explicit(explicit_hash)
+  # {{{
+  
+    new_explicit = explicit_hash
+    new_explicit.update(get_explicit)
+
+    set_explicit(new_explicit)
+
+  end # }}}
+
+private
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+  def self.add_explicit_attributes(attrib_hash)
+  # {{{
+
+#    new_explicit_attributes = attrib_hash
+#    new_explicit_attributes.update(get_explicit_attributes)
+#    set_explicit_attributes(new_explicit_attributes)
+
+    attrib_hash.each_pair { |table, attribs| 
+      if @explicit_attributes and @explicit_attributes[table] then
+        @explicit_attributes[table] = attrib_hash[table] + @explicit_attributes[table]
+      else
+        @explicit_attributes = Hash.new unless @explicit_attributes
+        @explicit_attributes[table] = attrib_hash[table]
+      end
+    }
+
+  end # }}}
+  
+private
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+  def self.add_implicit_attributes(attrib_hash)
+  # {{{
+
+    attrib_hash.each_pair { |table, attribs| 
+      if @implicit_attributes and @implicit_attributes[table] then
+        @implicit_attributes[table] = attrib_hash[table] + @implicit_attributes[table]
+      else
+        @implicit_attributes = Hash.new unless @implicit_attributes
+        @implicit_attributes[table] = attrib_hash[table]
+      end
+    }
+
+#    new_implicit_attributes = attrib_hash
+#    new_implicit_attributes.update(existing_implicit_attributes)
+
+#    set_implicit_attributes(new_implicit_attributes)
+  end # }}}
+
+protected
+
+  # Demands a value to be set for create and update procedures. 
+  def self.expects(attrib_name, klass=nil)
+  # {{{
+
+    if klass.nil? then table = get_table_name 
+    else table = klass.table end
+
+    add_explicit_attribute(table, attrib_name.to_s)
+
+  end # }}}
+
+  def self.hide_attribute(attrib_name)
+  # {{{
+    @hidden_attributes = Hash.new if @hidden_attributes.nil?
+    @hidden_attributes[get_table_name] = Array.new if @hidden_attributes[get_table_name].nil?
+    @hidden_attributes[get_table_name] << attrib_name
+  end 
+
+  def self.get_hidden_attributes()
+    return @hidden_attributes if @hidden_attributes
+    Hash.new
+  end # }}}
+  
+private
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+  # 
+  def self.add_explicit_attribute(table_name, attrib_name)
+  # {{{
+    
+    table_explicit_attributes = get_explicit_attributes[table_name]
+    if(!table_explicit_attributes.nil?) 
+    then table_explicit_attributes.push(attrib_name)
+    else table_explicit_attributes = [attrib_name]
+    end
+
+    new_explicit_attributes = 
+    get_explicit_attributes.update({table_name => table_explicit_attributes})
+    
+    set_explicit_attributes(new_explicit_attributes)
+
+  end # }}}
+
+private 
+
+  def self.add_implicit_attribute(table_name, attrib_name)
+  # {{{
+    table_implicit_attributes = get_implicit_attributes[table_name]
+    if(!table_implicit_attributes.nil?) 
+    then table_implicit_attributes.push(attrib_name)
+    else table_implicit_attributes = [attrib_name]
+    end
+
+    new_implicit_attributes = 
+    get_implicit_attributes.update({table_name => table_implicit_attributes})
+    
+    set_implicit_attributes(new_implicit_attributes)
+    
+  end # }}}
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+
+public
+  
+  # Returns full attribute name of given attribute
+  def self.[](attribute_name)
+  # {{{
+    return get_table_name+'.'+attribute_name.to_s
+  end # }}}
+
+  # Constructur is private as class is initialized 
+  # via .create or .load: 
+
+public
+
+  ##########################################################################
+  # Constructor is usually wrapped by e.g. self.load or 
+  # self.marshal_load.
+  # Constructor just accepts a value hash, and returns a Table_Accessor 
+  # instance holding it. 
+  # Note that this method is operating on a Table_Accessor instance, not
+  # on class Table_Accessor itself. 
+  def initialize(instance_attrib_values, cache=nil) 
+  # {{{
+
+    @loaded_from_cache = (cache == :cached)
+    # set instance variables. 
+    # class instance variables are made accessible 
+    # in Table_Instance.setup_instance
+
+    if @loaded_from_cache then
+      @attribute_values = instance_attrib_values
+    else
+      @attribute_values = Hash.new
+      values      = instance_attrib_values
+      field_index = 0
+      self.class.get_all_table_names.each { |table| 
+        @attribute_values[table] = Hash.new
+        field_names = self.class.get_attributes[table]
+        for attr_index in 0...field_names.length do
+          @attribute_values[table][field_names[attr_index]] = values[field_index]
+          field_index += 1
+        end
+      }
+    end
+    # @attribute_values.update(instance_attrib_values)
+
+    setup_instance()
+  
+  end # }}}
+
+public
+
+  ##########################################################################
+  # If this model is not to be located in a projects default context, 
+  # you can tell Cuba which context to use via
+  #
+  #   context :other_context_name
+  #
+  def self.context(context_name) 
+  # {{{
+    @context = context_name
+  end 
+  def self.get_context
+    @context
+  end
+  # }}}
+  
+public
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+  # use table :tablename if class != table only. 
+  def self.table(_table, _schema=nil)
+  # {{{
+  
+    set_table_name(_table.to_s)
+    schema(_schema.to_s) unless _schema.nil?
+    
+    load_attribute_fields();
+  
+  end # }}}
+
+private
+
+  ##########################################################################
+  # use schema :schemaname if there is a schema only. 
+  # @schema getters/setters {{{
+  def self.schema(_schema)
+    set_table_name( _schema.to_s+'.'+get_table_name ) 
+  end
+  def self.get_schema # :nodoc:
+    @schema
+  end
+  # }}}
+  
+protected
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+  # usage in derived classes: 
+  #   primary_key :some_field, :some_field_sequence_name
+  #   primary_key :some_other_field, :some_other_field_sequence_name
+  #
+  #  don't extend primary_keys of parent!
+  def self.primary_key(*prim_key) 
+  # {{{
+
+    keys = Array.new(1,get_table_name) + Array.new(1,prim_key.at(0))
+    add_primary_keys(keys)
+
+    add_sequence(get_table_name, prim_key.at(0), prim_key.at(1))
+  
+    # if sequence is given, this primary key is an implicit attribute: 
+    if(prim_key.at(1).nil?) then
+      add_explicit_attribute(get_table_name, prim_key.at(0).to_s)
+    else 
+      add_implicit_attribute(get_table_name, prim_key.at(0).to_s)
+    end
+
+  end # }}}
+
+  # Called in Cuba.import_imp_model. Defines prepared statements like 
+  # The_Model.by_id(id), The_Model.latest_entries(id, amount) etc.
+  def self.define_default_preps
+    return
+    unless @@prepared_statements[:default_preps] then
+      pkey_attrib_name = table_name + '.' << @primary_keys[table_name].first.to_s
+      prepare(:_by_id, Lore::Type.integer) { |e|
+        e.where(self.__send__(pkey_attrib_name.to_s.split('.')[-1].intern) == Lore::Clause.new('$1'))
+        e.limit(1)
+      }
+      prepare(:_latest, Lore::Type.integer) { |e|
+        e.where(true)
+        e.order_by(pkey_attrib_name, :desc)
+        e.limit(Lore::Clause.new('$1'))
+      }
+      @@prepared_statements[:default_preps] = true
+    end
+  end
+
+  def self.by_id(entity_id) 
+    begin
+      return _by_id(entity_id).first
+    rescue ::Exception => excep
+      if @@prepared_statements[:default_preps] then
+        raise excep
+      else
+        raise ::Exception.new(excep.message + ' (call define_default_preps first?)')
+      end
+    end
+  end
+
+protected
+
+  ##########################################################################
+  # usage in derived classes: 
+  #   has_a :table_a, :foreign_key_1, foreign_key_2, ...
+  #   has_a :table_b, :foreign_key_1, foreign_key_2, ...
+  #
+  # note that *foreign_keys fields in _this_ table, 
+  # not the foreign one. 
+  #   we want foreign_keys to look like: hash {   'table_a' => array {'id', 
+  #                                   'field' }
+  #                         'table_b' => array {'table_b_id'}
+  #   thus allowing key tuples and free naming of table fields. 
+  def self.has_a(*args)
+  # {{{
+    
+    if (args.length < 2) then 
+      raise Lore::Exception::Invalid_Usage.new('has_a expects at least Type, :foreign_key_name'); 
+    end
+
+    accessor = args.at(0)
+    
+    foreign_table_name   = accessor.get_table_name
+    # convert schema.table => table:
+    foreign_table     = foreign_table_name.split('.').at(1)
+    # convert Module::Other::Klass_Name => klass_name:
+    foreign_name     = accessor.to_s.split('::').at(-1).downcase
+
+    foreign_keys = Array.new(1,foreign_table_name) + args[1..-1]
+    add_foreign_keys(foreign_keys)
+    
+    new_has_a = Array.new(1,foreign_table_name)
+
+    new_has_a = get_has_a + new_has_a 
+    set_has_a(new_has_a)
+
+    add_has_a_klass(accessor, args[1..-1])
+
+    define_entity_access_methods(accessor, args[1..-1])
+  
+  end # }}}
+
+  def self.maps(*accessors)
+    @primary_keys = Hash.new
+    accessors.each { |acc|
+      acc_pkeys = acc.get_primary_keys
+      # Define accessor as aggregation. This also defines 
+      # acc's primary keys as own primary keys. 
+      aggregates acc, acc_pkeys
+    }
+  end
+
+private
+
+  def self.define_attribute_clause_methods(accessor)
+    
+    if !accessor.get_context.nil? && @context != accessor.get_context then
+      Lore::Context.enter(accessor.get_context) 
+      context_switched = true
+    end
+    if accessor.get_attributes[accessor.get_table_name] then
+    accessor.get_attributes[accessor.get_table_name].each { |attribute|
+      # Only define methods on own attributes or on 
+      # attributes only a parent Table_Accessor provides: 
+      if accessor == self || !(get_attributes[get_table_name].include? attribute.to_s) then
+        attribute_type = accessor.get_attribute_types[accessor.get_table_name][attribute]
+     #  log('Expected attribute type for ' << accessor.get_table_name + '.' << attribute.to_s + ': ' << Lore::Type.type_name(attribute_type).to_s + '(' << attribute_type.to_s + ')' )
+        method = 
+        "def self.#{attribute}() 
+          Clause.new('#{accessor.get_table_name}.#{attribute}', '', '', { :add_types => [ #{attribute_type}], :add_name => '' })
+        end"
+        class_eval(method)
+
+        "def #{attribute}() 
+          attr(:#{attribute})
+        end"
+        class_eval(method)
+
+        method = 
+        "def set_#{attribute}(value) 
+          set_attribute_value(:#{attribute.to_s}, value)
+        end"
+        class_eval(method)
+
+        method = 
+        "def #{attribute}=(value) 
+          set_attribute_value(:#{attribute.to_s}, value)
+        end"
+        class_eval(method)
+
+      end
+    }
+    end
+    Lore::Context.leave if context_switched
+
+  end
+
+private
+
+  # Meta-programs class instance methods for accessing types
+  # associated via has_a. 
+  def self.define_entity_access_methods(accessor, foreign_keys, type_name=nil)
+
+    type_name = accessor.to_s.split('::').at(-1).downcase unless type_name
+
+    log('defining method '+type_name+'_entity')
+    define_method(type_name+'_entity') { 
+
+      has_a_keys = Hash.new
+      foreign_keys.each { |foreign_key|
+        # self.<foreign_key> will return corresponding value 
+        # no matter if this klass or a super klass is holding it
+        has_a_keys[accessor[foreign_key]] = self.__send__ foreign_key
+      }
+      return accessor.load(has_a_keys)
+    }
+    
+    log('defining method set_'+type_name+'_entity')
+    define_method('set_'+type_name+'_entity') { |other|
+      foreign_keys.each { |foreign_key|
+        # other.<foreign_key> will return corresponding value 
+        # no matter if this klass or a super klass is holding it
+        self[foreign_key] = other.__send__ foreign_key
+      }
+    }
+    define_method('set_'+type_name+'_entity!') { |other|
+      self.__send__ 'set_'+type_name+'_entity', other
+      self.commit
+    }
+
+  end
+
+private
+
+  # Meta-programs class instance methods for accessing types
+  # associated via has_n. 
+  def self.define_entities_access_methods(accessor, values)
+
+    type_name = accessor.to_s.split('::').at(-1).downcase unless type_name
+    
+    log('defining method add_'+type_name+'_entity')
+    define_method('add_'+type_name+'_entity') { |values|
+      values.update(get_primary_key_values)
+      accessor.create(values)
+    }
+    log('defining method '+type_name+'_entities')
+    define_method(type_name+'_entities') {
+      foreign_key_values = Hash.new
+
+      accessor.get_foreign_keys[self.table_name].each { |key|
+        foreign_key_values[key] = get_attribute_value[key]
+      }
+      accessor.all_with(foreign_key_values)
+    }
+
+  end
+
+protected
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+  # usage in derived classes: 
+  #   has_a_named :table_a, :a_foo, :foreign_key_1, :foreign_key_2, ...
+  #   has_a_named :table_a, :a_bar, :foreign_key_1, :foreign_key_2, ...
+  #
+  # This method allows one type to aggregate the same type twice, referencing 
+  # them under different names, such as (see example) get_a_foo(), get_a_bar(). 
+  def self.has_a_named(*args)
+  # {{{
+
+    if (args.length < 3) then 
+      raise Lore::Model_Exception.new(self, 'has_a_named expects at least :Type, :handle_name, :foreign_key_name'); 
+    end
+    
+    foreign_table_name   = args.at(0).get_table_name
+    # convert schema.table => table:
+    foreign_table     = args.at(0).get_table_name.split('.').at(1)
+    # convert Module::Other::Klass_Name => klass_name:
+    foreign_name     = args.at(0).to_s.split('::')[-1].downcase
+
+    foreign_keys = Array.new(1,foreign_table_name) + args[2...args.length]
+    add_foreign_keys(foreign_keys)
+    
+    new_has_a = Array.new(1,foreign_table_name)
+    new_has_a = get_has_a + new_has_a 
+    set_has_a(new_has_a)
+
+    # TODO: To be wrapped by Table_Instance, feeding this method with 
+    # primary keys required to get referenced has_a tuple. 
+    if args.at(2).nil? then type_name = foreign_name
+    else type_name = args.at(2).to_s
+    end
+    
+    log('defining method get_'+type_name)
+      
+    define_method('get_'+type_name) { 
+      # see self.has_a
+    }
+    
+    log('defining method set_'+type_name)
+    # TODO: To be wrapped by Table_Instance, feeding this method with 
+    # primary keys required to set referenced has_a tuple. 
+    define_method('set_'+type_name) {|*keys|
+      # see self.has_a
+    }
+    
+  end # }}}
+  
+protected
+  
+  def self.belongs_to(*args)
+    parent = args[0]
+    foreign_table_name = parent.get_table_name
+    own_foreign_keys = args[1..-1]
+
+    own_foreign_keys = own_foreign_keys.map { |x| x = x.to_s }
+    add_explicit_attributes(get_table_name => own_foreign_keys)
+
+    args[1..-1].each { |a| hide_attribute(a.to_s) }
+  end
+
+  ##########################################################################
+  # usage in derived classes: 
+  #   has_n :table_a, :foreign_key_1, foreign_key_2, ...
+  #   has_n :table_b, :foreign_key_1, foreign_key_2, ...
+  def self.has_n(*args)
+  # {{{
+    
+    if (args.length < 2) then 
+      raise Lore::Exception::Invalid_Parameter.new('has_n expects at least :Type, :foreign_key_name'); 
+    end
+  
+    foreign_table_name   = args.at(0).get_table_name
+    # convert schema.table => table:
+    foreign_table     = args.at(0).get_table_name.split('.').at(1)
+    # convert Module::Other::Klass_Name => klass_name:
+    foreign_name     = args.at(0).to_s.split('::')[-1].downcase
+    
+    foreign_keys = Array.new(1,foreign_table_name) + args[1...args.length]
+    add_foreign_keys(foreign_keys)
+    
+    new_has_n = Array.new(1,foreign_table_name)
+    new_has_n = get_has_n + new_has_n 
+    set_has_n(new_has_n)
+  
+    method_suffix = foreign_name
+    
+    log('defining method '+method_suffix+'_entities')
+    # TODO: To be wrapped by Table_Instance, feeding this method with 
+    # primary keys required to get referenced has_n tuples. 
+    define_method(method_suffix+'_entities') { |*key_values|
+
+      query_args = Hash.new
+      query_args['_table'] = foreign_table_name
+      for arg_counter in 0...key_values.length do 
+      
+        query_args[@foreign_keys[foreign_table_name][arg_counter]] = key_values[arg_counter]
+        
+      end
+      #Table_Selector.perform(query_args)
+    }
+    # attribs is expected to be a Hash { 'field'=>'value', ... }
+    log('defining method add_'+method_suffix)
+    # TODO: To be wrapped by Table_Instance, feeding this method with 
+    # primary keys and attribute values required to add referenced 
+    # has_n tuples. 
+    define_method('add_'+method_suffix) {|*attribs|
+
+      #query_args = Hash.new
+      #query_args['_table'] = foreign_table_name
+      #query_args.update(attribs)
+      
+      #Table_Inserter.perform(query_args)
+    }
+    
+    log('defining method remove_'+method_suffix)
+    # TODO: To be wrapped by Table_Instance, feeding this method with 
+    # primary keys required to remove a referenced has_n tuple. 
+    define_method('remove_'+method_suffix) {|*keys|
+      
+      query_args = Hash.new
+      query_args['_table'] = foreign_table_name
+      for arg_counter in 0...keys.length do 
+      
+        #query_args[@foreign_keys[foreign_table_name][arg_counter]] = keys[arg_counter]
+        
+      end
+      #Table_Deleter.perform(query_args)
+    }
+
+  end # }}}
+
+protected
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+  # usage in derived classes: 
+  #   is_a Other::Module::Other_Klass
+  #   is_a Another::Module::Another_Klass
+  #
+  # Effects: 
+  # If foo.is_a bar then creating a foo will also create a bar instance. 
+  # Also, loading a foo will aggregate bar automatically. 
+  def self.is_a(*args)
+  # {{{
+    
+    parent = args.at(0)
+    
+    # before:   parent_pkeys   = Hash { Parent => [id, name] }
+    # after:    @@primary_keys = Hash { Parent => [id, name] 
+    #                    This  => [this, key] }
+  
+    if @input_filters.nil? then 
+      @input_filters = parent.get_input_filters
+    else
+      @input_filters.update parent.get_input_filters if parent.get_input_filters
+    end
+
+    if @output_filters.nil? then 
+      @output_filters = parent.get_output_filters
+    else
+      @output_filters.update parent.get_output_filters if parent.get_output_filters
+    end    
+
+    @primary_keys.update(parent.get_primary_keys)
+
+    @sequences.update(parent.get_sequences)
+    # only add parent's own attributes: 
+    add_attributes(parent.get_attributes)
+    add_attribute_types(parent.get_attribute_types)
+    
+    add_is_a(parent.get_table_name, parent.get_is_a)
+    add_is_a_klass(parent, @table_name.to_s+'.' << args.at(1).to_s)
+
+    parent.get_has_a_klasses.each_pair { |foreign_key, klass|
+      has_a klass, foreign_key.split('.')[-1]
+    }
+    set_has_a_klasses(get_has_a_klasses.update(parent.get_has_a_klasses))
+
+    add_explicit(parent.get_explicit)
+
+    add_explicit_attributes(parent.get_explicit_attributes)
+    add_implicit_attributes(parent.get_implicit_attributes)
+
+    @foreign_keys = Hash.new if @foreign_keys.nil? 
+    @foreign_keys.update(parent.get_foreign_keys)
+
+    foreign_keys = Array.new(1,parent.get_table_name) + args[1...args.length]
+
+    add_foreign_keys(foreign_keys)
+    
+    get_foreign_keys[parent.get_table_name].each { |attrib|
+    # add implicit attribute on *own* table, as it is implicit *here*, 
+    # not in the foreign table
+      add_implicit_attribute(get_table_name, attrib.to_s)
+    }
+
+    define_attribute_clause_methods(parent)
+
+  end # }}}
+  
+protected
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+  # usage in derived classes: 
+  #   aggregates Other::Module::Other_Klass
+  #   aggregates Another::Module::Another_Klass
+  # 
+  # Effects: 
+  # Unlike is_a, If foo.aggregates bar then creating/deleting a foo will not create/delete 
+  # a bar instance, but loading a foo will aggregate bar automatically, like 
+  # is_a. 
+  def self.aggregates(*args) 
+  # {{{
+    
+    parent = args.at(0)
+    
+    # before:   parent_pkeys   = Hash { Parent => [id, name] }
+    # after:    @@primary_keys = Hash { Parent => [id, name] 
+    #                    This  => [this, key] }
+    @primary_keys.update(parent.get_primary_keys)
+	
+    # only add parent's own attributes: 
+    add_attributes(parent.get_attributes)
+    add_attribute_types(parent.get_attribute_types)
+    
+    add_aggregate(parent.get_table_name, parent.get_is_a)
+    add_aggregate_klass(parent, args[1..-1])
+
+    set_has_a_klasses(get_has_a_klasses.update(parent.get_has_a_klasses))
+
+    # Hide aggregated attributes for create, update and form 
+    # generation: 
+    add_implicit_attributes(parent.get_attributes)
+    add_implicit_attributes(parent.get_implicit_attributes)
+    
+    foreign_keys = Array.new(1,parent.get_table_name) + args[1..-1]
+    
+    add_foreign_keys(foreign_keys)
+    
+    get_foreign_keys[parent.get_table_name].each { |attrib|
+    # add implicit attribute on *own* table, as it is implicit *here*, 
+    # not in the foreign table
+      add_implicit_attribute(get_table_name, attrib.to_s)
+    }
+
+    use_label(parent.get_labels)
+
+    define_entity_access_methods(parent, args[1..-1])
+	
+  end # }}}
+  
+private
+  
+  def self.add_is_a(table_name, derive_tree)
+  # {{{
+    
+    new_is_a = Hash.new
+    new_is_a[table_name] = derive_tree
+    new_is_a.update(get_is_a)
+
+    set_is_a(new_is_a)
+
+  end # }}}
+
+private
+  
+  def self.add_is_a_klass(klass, foreign_key)
+  # {{{
+    
+    @is_a_klasses = Hash.new if @is_a_klasses.nil?
+    @is_a_klasses[foreign_key] = klass
+
+  end # }}}
+  
+private
+  
+  def self.add_aggregate(table_name, derive_tree)
+  # {{{
+    
+    new_aggregates = Hash.new
+    new_aggregates[table_name] = derive_tree
+    new_aggregates.update(get_aggregates)
+
+    set_aggregates(new_aggregates)
+
+  end # }}}
+
+private
+  
+  def self.add_aggregate_klass(klass, attributes)
+  # {{{
+    
+    new_aggregate_klasses = get_aggregate_klasses
+    attributes.each { |attribute|
+      new_aggregate_klasses[get_table_name+'.' << attribute.to_s] = klass
+    }
+
+    set_aggregate_klasses(new_aggregate_klasses)
+
+  end # }}}
+
+private
+  
+  def self.add_has_a_klass(klass, attributes)
+  # {{{
+    
+    new_has_a_klasses = get_has_a_klasses
+    attributes.each { |attribute|
+      new_has_a_klasses[get_table_name+'.' << attribute.to_s] = klass
+    }
+
+    set_has_a_klasses(new_has_a_klasses)
+
+  end # }}}
+  
+protected
+  # Tell Table_Accessor to ignore attribute in update commands 
+  # unless it has a non-empty value.
+  def self.explicit(*args)
+  # {{{
+
+    new_explicit = get_explicit
+    new_explicit[get_table_name] = args.map!{|elem| elem.to_s}
+
+    add_explicit(new_explicit)
+
+  end # }}}
+  
+private
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+  # Usage: 
+  # Cuba::Admin::Container_Local.select({'primary_key_1'=>'2', 
+  #                                            'primary_key_2'=>'38', 
+  #                                            'additionally_where_field'=>'73'
+  #                                          })
+  def self.select_row_by_key(*keys)
+  # {{{
+
+    # Aggregate klasses this klass is derived from and 
+    # those it aggregates explicitly: 
+    begin
+      result = Lore::Table_Selector.select_on_keys(self, keys)
+    rescue ::Exception => excep
+      raise excep
+      raise ::Exception.new('Unable to load instance from DB (Reason: ' << excep.message << ')')
+    end
+    field_hash = result.get_row()
+
+  end # }}}
+  
+public
+  
+  # Same as select, but with predefined primary key values as 
+  # hash. 
+  def self.select_by_key(*keys)
+  # {{{
+
+    result = Lore::Table_Selector.select_on_keys(self, keys)
+    
+    field_array = result.get_rows()
+
+  end # }}}
+
+public
+
+  def self.update(&block)
+  # {{{
+    
+    query_string = Lore::Table_Updater.block_update(self, &block)
+
+  end # def }}}
+  
+public
+
+  def self.select(clause=nil, &block)
+  # {{{
+    GC.disable
+    if(!clause.nil? && !clause.to_s.include?('*,')) then
+
+      query_string = Lore::Table_Selector.select_query(clause.to_s, self, &block)
+      return Clause.new(query_string)
+
+    else
+
+      what = clause.to_s
+      result = Lore::Table_Selector.select_cached(what, self, &block)
+
+    # result = Array.new
+    # db_result.get_rows.each { |row|
+    #   result.push(self.new(self, row))
+    # }
+      GC.enable
+      return result
+
+    end
+
+  end # }}}
+
+public
+
+  def self.select_query(clause=nil, &block)
+    query_string = Lore::Table_Selector.select_query(clause.to_s, self, &block)
+  end
+
+  # Prepares a query for execution. This offers four advantages: 
+  # - The query doesn't have to be interpreted by the DB every time 
+  # - The query call is available via direct method call. 
+  # - DB validates against types, thus preventing SQL injection
+  # - It doesn't Lore require to compose the query string again. This 
+  #   effects the most significant performance gain (Up to 60% execution 
+  #   time in some benchmarks)
+  # Usage: 
+  #
+  #  Article.prepare(:by_name_and_date, Lore::Type::Integer, Lore::Type::Date) { |a,fields|
+  #    a.where((Article.article_id == fields[0] & 
+  #            (Article.date == fields[1]))
+  #  }
+  #  Article.by_name_and_date('Merry Christmas', '20081224')
+  #
+  # From the PostgreSQL 7.4 Manual: 
+  #
+  #  "In some situations, the query plan produced by for a prepared statement may be 
+  #   inferior to the plan produced if the statement were submitted and executed normally. 
+  #   This is because when the statement is planned and the planner attempts to determine 
+  #   the optimal query plan, the actual values of any parameters specified in the 
+  #   statement are unavailable. PostgreSQL collects statistics on the distribution of 
+  #   data in the table, and can use constant values in a statement to make guesses about 
+  #   the likely result of executing the statement. Since this data is unavailable when 
+  #   planning prepared statements with parameters, the chosen plan may be suboptimal. To 
+  #   examine the query plan PostgreSQL has chosen for a prepared statement, use 
+  #   EXPLAIN EXECUTE. "
+  #
+  def self.prepare(plan_name, *args, &block)
+    log('PREPARE: TRYING CLASS METHOD ' << plan_name.to_s)
+    if !@@prepared_statements[plan_name] then
+      Table_Selector.prepare(plan_name, self, args, &block)
+
+      log('PREPARE: CREATE CLASS METHOD ' << plan_name.to_s)
+      instance_eval("
+      def #{plan_name.to_s}(*args) 
+        execute_prepared(:#{plan_name}, args)
+      end")
+      @@prepared_statements[plan_name] = true
+      log('PREPARE: CREATED CLASS METHOD ' << plan_name.to_s)
+    end
+  end
+
+  def self.execute_prepared(plan_name, *args)
+    plan_name = "#{table_name.gsub('.','_')}__#{plan_name.to_s}"
+    Table_Selector.select_prepared(plan_name, self, args)
+  end
+
+public
+  
+  # Same as select, but returns 
+  def self.select_value(what, &block)
+  # {{{
+    db_result = Lore::Table_Selector.select(what, self, &block)
+    row = db_result.get_row
+    return row[''] if row
+    return {}
+  end # }}}
+  
+public
+  
+  def self.select_values(what, &block) 
+  # {{{
+    db_result = Lore::Table_Selector.select(what, self, &block)
+    return db_result.get_rows[:values].map { |e| 
+      e.first 
+    }
+  end # }}}
+  
+public
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+  # Wrap explicit select. Example: 
+  #  SomeModule::SomeAccessor.explicit_insert({
+  #                        table_name_A =>
+  #                          {'some_field'=>'2', 
+  #                          'other_field'=>'3'}, 
+  #                        table_name_A =>
+  #                          {'another_field'=>'5'}
+  #                       })
+  # Note that field in 'field'=>'value' is exactly the 
+  # field name in the table (e.g. table_name_A) it holds. 
+  def self.explicit_insert(keys)
+  # {{{
+    Lore::Table_Inserter.perform_insert(self, keys)
+  end # }}}
+  
+  
+private
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+  # Wrap default select. Example: 
+  #  SomeModule::SomeAccessor.insert({
+  #                  'some_field'=>'2', 
+  #                  'other_field'=>'3', 
+  #                  'another_field'=>'5'
+  #                  })
+  # Note that field in 'field'=>'value' is exactly the 
+  # field name in the table it holds. 
+  # Table_Accessor.insert basically resolves an explicit 
+  # hash and passes it to Table_Accessor.explicit_insert. 
+  def self.insert(keys)
+  # {{{
+    
+    key_hash = Hash.new
+    
+    log('ATTRIBUTES TOTAL: ')
+    log(get_attributes.inspect)
+    
+    attribute_name_array = Array.new
+    attribute_table = ''
+    get_attributes.each_pair { |table, fields|
+      
+      key_hash[table] = Hash.new
+      keys.each_pair { |attribute, value|
+        
+        attribute = attribute.to_s
+        attribute_name_array = attribute.split('.')
+        if attribute_name_array.at(2).nil? then 
+          attribute_table = nil
+        else 
+          attribute_table = (attribute_name_array.at(0).to_s+'.'+attribute_name_array.at(1).to_s)
+        end
+        
+        if fields.include?(attribute) then
+          key_hash[table][attribute] = value unless (value == '' || value.nil?)
+          
+        elsif !attribute_table.nil? and 
+              fields.include?(attribute_name_array.at(2)) and 
+              attribute_table == table then
+          
+          key_hash[table][attribute_name_array.at(2)] = value unless (value == '' || value.nil?)
+        end
+      }
+      
+    }
+
+    log(key_hash.inspect)
+    
+  # sequence values only are known after insert operation, 
+  # so we have to retreive the complete key_hash back from 
+  # Table_Inserter.perform_insert: 
+    key_hash = Lore::Table_Inserter.perform_insert(self, key_hash)
+  # key_hash has been extended by sequence_values now, so we
+  # return it: 
+    
+    key_hash
+    
+  end # }}}
+
+public
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+  # Returns a new Table_Accessor instance by inserting given attribute 
+  # values into db and returning an instance for further operations. 
+  def self.create(attrib_values)
+  # {{{
+    before_create(attrib_values)
+
+    values = Hash.new
+    
+    Lore.log { 'KLASS: ' << attrib_values.class.to_s } 
+    Lore.log { 'INSERTING VALUES: ' << attrib_values.inspect }
+    input_filters = get_input_filters
+    attrib_key  = ''
+    attrib_name = ''
+
+    attrib_values.each_pair { |attrib_name, attrib_value|
+      if attrib_name.instance_of? Symbol then 
+        attrib_key = attrib_name
+      else 
+        attrib_key = attrib_name.split('.')[-1].intern
+      end
+      
+      if (input_filters && input_filters[attrib_key]) then
+        attrib_values[attrib_name] = input_filters[attrib_key].call(attrib_value) 
+      end
+    }
+    log('FILTERED VALUES: ' << attrib_values.inspect)
+    after_filters(attrib_values)
+    
+    # Predefine
+    attrib_name_array = Array.new 
+    # distribute attrib names to tables: 
+    get_attributes().each_pair { |table, attribs|
+      table_values = Hash.new
+     
+      attrib_name_array = Array.new
+      log('ALL ATTRIBS: ' << table.to_s + ' <-- ' << attribs.inspect)
+      attrib_values.each_pair { |attrib_name, attrib_value|
+        attrib_name = attrib_name.to_s
+        attrib_name_array = attrib_name.split('.') 
+        
+        if attribs.include? attrib_name then
+			
+          table_values[attrib_name] = attrib_value
+		  
+        elsif attribs.include? attrib_name_array.at(2) and
+            attrib_name_array.at(0)+'.'+attrib_name_array.at(1) == table then
+          table_values[attrib_name_array.at(2)] = attrib_value
+        end
+      }
+      values[table] = table_values
+    }
+    
+    begin
+      
+      before_validation(values)
+      Lore::Validation::Parameter_Validator.invalid_params(self, 
+                                                           values)
+      
+    rescue Lore::Exception::Invalid_Klass_Parameters => ikp
+      
+      # log'n'throw
+      ikp.log
+      raise ikp
+      
+    end
+
+    before_insert(attrib_values)
+
+    # retreive all final attrib values after insert: (this way, also 
+    # sequence values are resolved): 
+    #
+    attrib_values = insert(attrib_values)
+    
+    select_keys = Hash.new
+    if @primary_keys then
+      @primary_keys[table_name].each { |key|
+        select_keys[table_name + '.' << key] = attrib_values[table_name][key]
+      }
+    end
+    
+    # Create klass instance via new: 
+    # Cuba::Module.new(self, attrib_values)
+    
+    # Create klass instance via load (wrapper of new): 
+    obj = self.load(select_keys)
+    after_create(obj)
+    
+    return obj
+    
+  end # }}}
+  
+public
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+  # Return new Table_Accessor instance by loading an existing entry from 
+  # table. 
+  def self.load(keys)
+  # {{{
+
+    before_load(keys)
+
+    select_keys = Hash.new
+
+    get_primary_keys[table_name].each { |attrib_name|
+      value = keys[attrib_name.intern]
+      value = keys[attrib_name.to_s] if value.nil?
+      value = keys[table_name+'.'+attrib_name.to_s] if value.nil?
+      select_keys[table_name+'.'+attrib_name.to_s] = value unless value.nil?
+    }
+
+    return false if select_keys.empty?
+
+    log('Loading with prim keys: ' << select_keys.inspect)
+    instance_attribs_hash = select_row_by_key(select_keys)
+
+    return false if instance_attribs_hash.nil?
+
+    instance = new(instance_attribs_hash)
+    
+    #TODO: 
+    # after_load(instance)
+
+    return instance
+  end # }}}
+
+public
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+  # Delete this object and use Table_Deleter to delete its entity tuple
+  # from database. 
+  def self.delete(value_keys=nil, &block)
+  # {{{
+
+    if value_keys then
+    before_delete(value_keys)
+      Lore::Table_Deleter.perform_delete(self, value_keys)
+    after_delete(value_keys)
+    else 
+      Lore::Table_Deleter.block_delete(self, &block)
+    end
+
+  end # }}}
+
+private
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+  # Send a hollow query to db, thus only field names are returned. 
+  # This works (and has to work) on empty tables, too. 
+  # 
+  # For every attribute, a class method with the attribute's name is defined
+  # in order to retreive the absolute field name (schema.table.field) by calling
+  # Table_Accessor.field
+  def self.load_attribute_fields()
+  # {{{
+    if !@attributes.nil? then 
+      return @attributes
+    end
+
+    @attributes = Hash.new
+      
+    if(get_table_name != '') then
+      
+      Lore::Context.enter(@context) unless @context.nil?
+      begin
+        fields_result = Lore::Connection.perform('SELECT * FROM '+get_table_name+' WHERE false')
+      ensure
+        Lore::Context.leave unless @context.nil?
+      end
+      
+      own_attributes = Hash.new
+      own_attributes[get_table_name] = fields_result.get_field_names()
+      own_types      = Hash.new
+      own_types[get_table_name] = fields_result.get_field_types()
+      add_attributes(own_attributes)
+      add_attribute_types(own_types)
+
+      Lore.log { 'Defined attributes: ' << @attributes.inspect } 
+    
+      define_attribute_clause_methods(self)
+
+    end # if
+    return @attributes
+
+  end # }}}
+
+public 
+
+  ##########################################################################
+  # Simulates inheritance: Delegate missing methods to parent Table_Accessor. 
+  def self.method_missing(meth)
+    if @is_a_klasses then
+      @is_a_klasses.each_pair { |foreign_key, k|
+        return (k.__send__(meth.to_s)) if k.respond_to? meth
+      }
+    end
+    raise ::Exception.new('Undefined method '<< meth.to_s << ' for ' << self.to_s)
+  end
+
+public
+  
+  ##########################################################################
+  # Inspect method
+  def self.inspect
+  # {{{
+
+#    return self.to_s + ' : Table_Accessor'
+
+    dump = 'Accessor: ' << self.to_s
+#   dump << "\n\t" <<  'own table name: '+get_table_name
+#   dump << "\n\t" <<  'attributes: '
+#   dump << "\n\t" <<  @attributes.inspect
+#   dump << "\n\t" <<  'explicit attributes: '
+#   dump << "\n\t" <<  @explicit_attributes.inspect
+#   dump << "\n\t" <<  'implicit attributes: '
+#   dump << "\n\t" <<  @implicit_attributes.inspect
+#   dump << "\n\t" <<  'constraints: '
+#   dump << "\n\t" <<  @constraints.inspect
+#   dump << "\n\t" <<  'attribute types: '
+#   dump << "\n\t" <<  @attribute_types.inspect
+#   dump << "\n\t" <<  'primary keys: '
+#   dump << "\n\t" <<  @primary_keys.inspect
+#   dump << "\n\t" <<  'sequences: '
+#   dump << "\n\t" <<  @sequences.inspect
+#   dump << "\n\t" <<  'foreign keys: '
+#   dump << "\n\t" <<  @foreign_keys.inspect
+#   dump << "\n\t" <<  'has_a: '
+#   dump << "\n\t" <<  @has_a.inspect
+#   dump << "\n\t" <<  'has_n: '
+#   dump << "\n\t" <<  @has_n.inspect
+#   dump << "\n\t" <<  'is_a: '
+#   dump << "\n\t" <<  @is_a.inspect
+#   dump << "\n\t" <<  'explicit: '
+#   dump << "\n\t" <<  @explicit.inspect
+#   dump << "\n"
+
+  end # }}}
+
+end # class
+
+
+end # module
+