Responding to relational database queries (for example, SQL queries) in a new way. More specifically, qualifying queries are written (for example, written by a human individual) in a way so that a join operation precedes a row limiting operation. Notwithstanding the fact that the join operation precedes the row limiting operation, when responding to the query, machine logic (for example, software) performs the row limiting operation before the join operation. This can improve time and processing efficiency.