Storage management and indexing in object-oriented database management systems

Abstract

Storage management and indexing methods used in existing conventional database management systems are not appropriate for the object-oriented database management systems due to the distinctive features of the later systems. A model for storage management suitable for object- oriented database management systems is proposed in this thesis. It supports object identity, multiple inheritance, composite objects, a fine degree of granularity and schema evolution. An index provides fast access to data stored in files at the price of using additional storage space and an overhead in update operations. Work has been carried out on indexing and an indexing method for the object-oriented database systems is proposed. Identity and equality indexes are treated. Object identity and information hiding are provided. Schema changes are handled without affecting existing indexes. It is general enough to be applicable to most existing object-oriented database systems. The mapping of the proposed storage and indexing approaches into a relational database scheme is also presented.