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Object-Oriented Programming + Relational Database Features Object-Oriented Database Model

The document outlines the key features of the object-oriented database model (OODBM). It combines object-oriented programming principles with relational database features. The OODBM represents real-world entities as objects that have properties and behaviors. Objects are grouped into classes and can be related through inheritance, association, and other relationships. Complex objects can be built from simpler primitive objects. The OODBM also allows for persistent objects that remain in memory even after execution.

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kl mishra
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123 views

Object-Oriented Programming + Relational Database Features Object-Oriented Database Model

The document outlines the key features of the object-oriented database model (OODBM). It combines object-oriented programming principles with relational database features. The OODBM represents real-world entities as objects that have properties and behaviors. Objects are grouped into classes and can be related through inheritance, association, and other relationships. Complex objects can be built from simpler primitive objects. The OODBM also allows for persistent objects that remain in memory even after execution.

Uploaded by

kl mishra
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The object-oriented database model (OODBM) is an alternative implementation to

that of a relational model. An object-oriented database is similar in principle to an


object-oriented programming language. An object-oriented database management
system is a hybrid application that uses a combination of object-oriented and relational
database principles to process data. That said, we can use the following formula to
outline the OODBM:

Object-Oriented Programming + Relational Database Features = Object-


Oriented Database Model

The figure below outlines the object-oriented database model along with its principles
and features.

Figure 1: The Object-Oriented Database Model


Fundamental Features

Let's now take a closer look at the fundamental features of object-oriented databases.
To start, let's look at the feature of objects and classes.

The object-oriented approach considers all entities as objects. An object has properties
(state) and methods (behavior). Each object is identified using a unique object
identifier. For example, let us consider a real-world entity called 'Student'. A student
has states or properties such as a name, USN, date of birth, address, etc. Similarly, the
student has behaviors or methods including attending classes, writing exams, paying
fees, etc.

This next figure below shows how the 'Student' object can be represented.

Figure 2: Representation of the Student Object


As you can see, the state and behavior cells are separate, but related. A class is a
collection of similar objects. In this example, a collection of first year commerce
students forms a class. In a class, the objects interact with each other using messages.

Let's now look at the encapsulation feature.

Encapsulation is an important object-oriented feature. This hides the implementation


details from the end-users and displays only the needed descriptions. For example,
imagine that you are buying a soap from a commercial store. You know its ingredients
such as color and fragrance by looking on the box, but you aren't shown the actual
method used to manufacture the soap.

Let's now look at the inheritance feature.

Inheritance is considered important in object-oriented design because it enables re-


usability. It is defined as the method of creating new classes from existing classes. The
new classes not only inherit the properties of their parent class, but they also have their
own unique properties. For example, when a child is born to parents, the child
resembles either its mother or father, but it also has its own unique traits and
personality. This figure below shows an additional example of how inheritance works.

Figure 3: Example of Inheritance

Now let's look at the association feature.


Association refers to links between the various entities of an application. In an object-
oriented database, association is denoted as references between various objects. For
example, individuals from a 'Person' class can also be associated with the 'Committee'
class. The association name here can be called 'Membership' as outlined in this figure
below.

Figure 4: Association Example

Now let's look at the feature of complex objects and compare them to simple objects.

The concept of complex objects is derived from applying constructors to simple


objects. Simple objects are mainly items such as integers, byte strings, and characters.
Complex objects are items such as maps, sets, lists, tuples, or collections of many
primitive objects as shown in this figure here.
Figure 5: Complex Objects

Now, finally, let's look at the persistence feature.

The object-oriented database allows for the creation of persistent objects. A persistent
object is one that lives in computer memory even after completing its execution. This
is different from the lifespan of normal objects, which expire after execution, are
destroyed immediately, and freed from memory. Object persistence solves the database
challenges of concurrency and recovery.
Advantages of Object Oriented Data Model

1. Add semantic content

2. Visual presentation includes semantic content

3. Database integrity

4. Both structural and data independence


Disadvantages of Object Oriented Data Model

1. Lack of OODM standards

2. Complex navigational data access

3. Steep learning curve

4. High system overhead slows transactions

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