Discoverability and/or navigation of database object hierarchies are provided utilizing database object models based on a common framework. Typical instances also incorporate a standardized interface for interaction with a navigation component (e.g., command line environment), allowing a single navigation component to interface with diverse database object models. Database object hierarchies can be requested and discovered via this interface. The interface can also support navigation of database object hierarchy structures. The database object model can provide the database object hierarchy by utilizing document and/or script mechanisms such as, for example, extensible markup language (XML) files. In some instances, additional metadata can be included to indicate additional structure information such as, for example, navigability of an object. Thus, a command line can be employed to discover database object hierarchy and/or to access management objects representing the database server objects, including its operations.