Construction of trigger and dependency graphs using event and rule declarations of an active object-oriented database management system

Abstract

Traditional database systems are passive, meaning that they only react to explicit requests by users or applications. An active database S3^stem on the other hand, executes operations automatically when certain events occur and certain conditions are met. A database management system becomes cictive through the addition of rules. The main difficulties in the development of rule applications is the lack of design methods and suitable design tools. Confluence and termination are two important properties to be able to implement rule applications correctly. In this thesis, the construction of trigger and dependency graphs using class and rule declarations of an active object-oriented dcitabase system is described. The construction of these graphs provides that termination can be checked and a confluent rule execution can be achieved. Implementcition of a preprocessor that constructs trigger and dependency graphs is cilso provided.