Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Advantages of the approach are as follows:
1.
The strengths of the relational model and the OO model can
be emphasized, and the respective weak points avoided.
2.
Legacy systems can be facilitated.
3.
It facilitates peaceful coexistence of traditional and more
contemporary system approaches.
One possible disadvantage is that the database designer could be sometimes forced
to make difficult decisions on database design.
23.5 Summary and Concluding Remarks
It is time to summarize what we have discussed in this Chapter:
•
OT provides several huge benefits to the software engineering
arena.
•
An OO approach to database design may or may not bring
significant benefits, depending on the situation. In some
situations the OO approach is ideal; in others it is not.
•
There are a number of challenges to object databases that do not
exist in a relational database.
•
The most pragmatic approach for merging the benefits of the
relational model and the OO model is to superimpose an OO user
interface on a relational or universal database.
The strength of the relational model lies in its firm mathematical foundations, its
huge benefits, and the immense financial outlay that have been placed in relational
systems. This third fact is significant: Several large corporations have invested millions
of dollars hugely in relational databases. They are not likely to discard these investments.
The strength of the OO model lies in its huge benefits in certain situations, and its
intuitiveness. Given the strength of both models, we can expect them to continue to
peacefully coexist in the foreseeable future, complementing instead of rivaling each other.
23.6 Review Questions
1.
Identify the main benefits that object technology brings to the
arena of database systems.
2.
Describe the main features of the OO DBMS model.
3.
Discuss the main challenges to the object-oriented database
management systems.
4.
Discuss the hybrid approach to database systems.
