1. A netlist query language for reading and updating a netlist database comprising: a netlist query language syntax that is similar to standard structured query language syntax, said netlist query language syntax defining syntax rules for writing netlist query language statements, said netlist query language statements being commands that read and update said netlist database, said netlist database being an object oriented database storing electrical circuit data, said electrical circuit data being representative of device data, device attribute data, macro data, macro attribute data, connection data, and connection attribute data of an electrical circuit, and said netlist database providing netlist database access subroutines for reading and updating said electrical circuit data stored in said netlist database.