US Patent 11036797 Efficient storage and utilization of a hierarchical data set

First data of a hierarchical data structure is accessed. A directed graph is generated based on the first data. Generating the directed graph includes creating multiple nodes representing the first data and linking first nodes representing data at a particular level of the hierarchical data structure to second nodes representing data at a lower level of the hierarchical data structure. A query requesting information from the hierarchical data structure is received. A particular node, that is a starting point for searching the directed graph based on the query, is identified within the directed graph. Out-links, that link the particular node to other nodes of the directed graph, are identified. Each of the other nodes, that is connected to the particular node by the out-links, is inspected to determine which of the other nodes represents responsive data matching the query. The query is responded with the responsive data.