Object-Oriented Database 12/14/2024

HiLCoE School of Computer Science & Technology

Chapter One: Object-Oriented Database
Course Title : Advanced Database Systems
 Outlines 2

 Object-Oriented Concepts
 Object Identity
 Object Structure
 Type Constructors
 Encapsulation
 Methods, and Persistence
 Type Hierarchies and Inheritance

Object-Oriented Database 12/14/2024

Overview of Object-Oriented Concepts

• Object-Oriented Databases (OODB) are a type of database

management system that is designed to store and retrieve data using
the principles of object-oriented programming (OOP).

• In contrast to traditional relational databases that organize data into

tables with rows and columns, object-oriented databases model data as
objects, which are instances of classes in an object-oriented
programming language.

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• Objects are self-contained units that contain both data and the operations or
methods that can be performed on that data. It helps in efficient representation and
management of complex data structures and relationships.

• Object-oriented databases are often used in applications that require the efficient
management of complex data structures and relationships, such as CAD/CAM
systems, geographic information systems, and document management systems.

• They are also well suited for applications that require the integration of different
data types and sources, such as multimedia data or data from multiple sources.

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Components of Object-Oriented Database Model

• The main components of an object-oriented database model are:

Objects

• Objects represent real-world entities by combining data with related operations.

• For example, an object could contain a customer’s name, address, and account
balance data along with methods to modify or retrieve that data.

• Objects enable encapsulation of both state through data attributes and behavior
through methods. This provides a cohesive and modular approach to structure
data.

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Classes

• Classes act as templates or blueprints for creating objects with the same
kinds of data and behaviors. A class defines the structure for its instances
what attributes or data members the object will contain as well as what
methods or functions it will have.

• Classes allow for organization of objects that share similar properties and
behaviors. This promotes reusability and maintainability in database design.

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Inheritance
• Inheritance allows classes to inherit attributes and methods from parent
classes. This enables code reuse and the creation of specialized child
classes.
• The class hierarchy represents these parent-child relationships. A base or
superclass provides common data and behaviors shared by derived
subclasses down the hierarchy. Subclasses can override or extend parent
functionality.

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Methods

• Methods are functions defined within a class that represent the

behaviors or actions that objects created from that class can perform.

• Methods operate on the object’s data members and encapsulate the

logic for manipulating the object’s state. This provides an organized
approach to implementing functionality for the class.

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Attributes

• Attributes are data members that hold the state or properties of an

object instantiated from a class. They define the characteristics of
those objects.

• Attributes store descriptive information about the object that can be of

various data types like strings, numbers, etc. This allows
representation of diverse properties.

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Encapsulation

• Encapsulation binds together the data attributes and the methods

that manipulate them within a class. Certain components may be
hidden or restricted from direct access externally to protect data
integrity.

• Interaction is only through defined interfaces. This guards against

misuse while enabling specialized implementation details.

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Polymorphism

• Polymorphism allows objects of different classes to be treated as

objects of a common superclass type and used interchangeably.

• A single method interface can work across multiple data types.

• Polymorphism provides flexibility to extend systems and write more

generic reusable code.

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Persistence
• Persistence refers to objects continuing to exist even after the program that
created them ends. Their state is saved so objects can be retrieved in subsequent
sessions. This is crucial for storing data long-term without loss of information
between interactions.
Identity
• Every object is assigned a unique identifier that distinguishes it from other
objects even if they have identical attribute values. This allows precise
management of object references and relationships.

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Transactions

• Transactions group operations into an all-or-nothing unit. If any part

fails, the entire transaction is rolled back to maintain database
consistency.

• Transactions provide reliability with features like atomicity, isolation,

and durability that ensure integrity.

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Difference Between RDBMS and OODBMS
• There are several key differences between a relational database and an
object-oriented database, including the following:

Data organization: In a relational database, data is organized and

stored in tables, with each table containing rows and columns of data.

• In an object-oriented database, data is organized and stored as objects,

which are self-contained units that contain both data and the
operations or methods that can be performed on that data.
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Data relationships: In a relational database, data relationships are

defined and managed using keys and foreign keys, which link tables
and records together.

• In an object-oriented database, data relationships are defined and

managed using inheritance and polymorphism, which allow objects
to take on different forms or behaviors depending on the context in
which they are used.

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Query language: In a relational database, data is queried and

manipulated using a structured query language (SQL), which is a
standardized and widely used language for managing and querying
data.

• In an object-oriented database, data is queried and manipulated using

object-oriented query languages, which are specialized languages
that are designed for managing and querying object-oriented data.

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Data manipulation: In a relational database, data manipulation is

typically performed using SQL queries, which can be used to insert,
update, delete, and retrieve data from the database.

• In an object-oriented database, data manipulation is performed using

the operations or methods defined on the objects themselves, which
allows for the efficient manipulation of complex data structures and
relationships.
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Object-Oriented Database Examples
• Let’s see object oriented database examples:
ObjectStore
• ObjectStore was one of the first commercially available object-oriented
database management systems (ODBMS). It was developed by Object
Design starting in the late 1980s.
• ObjectStore gained popularity for use in CAD, engineering, and
telecommunications applications. It provided flexibility in modeling
complex data relationships compared to relational databases.

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Key features:

• Developed C++ APIs for database access

• Supported database clustering for high availability

• Enabled bidirectional object navigability and references

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Versant

• Versant is an OODBMS optimized for speed, scalability, and handling

complex data models. It can be used in transactional applications that
require real-time performance and the ability to query interconnected data.

• Versant is utilized in telecom, finance, defense, and healthcare systems

that need to rapidly ingest and analyze large volumes of data with low
latency.

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• Key features:

• Horizontally scalable using sharing

• ACID support ensures data integrity

• SQL support for querying objects

• High performance caching and clustering

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Advantages of Object-Oriented Databases

Efficient representation of complex data structures: One of the

main advantages of object-oriented databases is that they allow for the
efficient representation and management of complex data structures
and relationships.

• This is particularly useful for applications that require the integration

of different data types and sources, such as multimedia data or data
from multiple sources.
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Improved code reuse and modularity: Object-oriented databases support
inheritance and polymorphism, which allow for the efficient reuse of code
and data structures. This simplifies the development and management of
complex data structures, and improves the modularity and maintainability of
the database.
Support for data integration: Object-oriented databases are well suited
for applications that require the integration of different data types and
sources, since they support the representation of complex data structures
and relationships.
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Flexibility and adaptability: Object-oriented databases are highly flexible and
adaptable, which means that they can easily handle changes in data structures and
requirements. This is particularly useful for applications that require the ability to
quickly adapt to changing business needs and requirements.

Improved performance: Object-oriented databases can have improved

performance compared to other database models, since they are optimized for the
efficient representation and manipulation of complex data structures and
relationships.

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Disadvantages of Object-Oriented Databases

Complexity and learning curve: One of the main disadvantages of

object-oriented databases is that they can be complex and difficult to
learn and use, especially for developers who are not familiar with
object-oriented programming (OOP).

• This can increase the time and resources required to develop and
maintain applications that use an object-oriented database.

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Limited support for SQL: Object-oriented databases do not support SQL,
which is the standardized and widely used language for managing and querying
data in relational databases. This can limit their compatibility with other systems
and applications that use SQL, and may require developers to learn and use
specialized object-oriented query languages.
Limited vendor support: Object-oriented databases are not as widely used as
other database models, which means that they may have limited vendor support
and resources compared to other database models. This can make it more difficult
to find support and expertise for object-oriented databases.

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Potential vendor lock-in: Organizations that use an object-oriented

database may be dependent on their database vendor, which can create
vendor lock-in and limit their ability to switch to another database in
the future.

Compatibility issues: Object-oriented databases may not be

compatible with other database models, which can limit their
interoperability and integration with other systems and applications.
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Object Identity, Object Structure, and Type Constructors

• In Object-Oriented Databases (OODBs), three important concepts are:

Object Identity
Object Structure, and
Type Constructors.

• Let's explore each of these concepts:

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Object Identity
• Object Identity refers to the unique identifier associated with each object
in the database. It is a crucial aspect of OODBs because it allows the system
to distinguish one object from another.
• Object Identity ensures that each object is uniquely identifiable, which is
essential for maintaining data integrity and supporting relationships between
objects.
• Unlike in relational databases where primary keys are used for
identification, in OODBs, the identity is often inherent in the object itself.

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• Here are key aspects of Object Identity in Object-Oriented Databases:

Unique Identifier: Each object within the OODB is assigned a unique

identifier, often referred to as an "object identifier" or "OID." This
identifier is used to distinguish one object from another.

Inherent Identity: Object Identity is often inherent in the object itself and
is not dependent on external factors.

• It is a key feature of the encapsulation principle in object-oriented

programming, where an object's identity is encapsulated within the object.
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Support for Relationships: Object Identity plays a crucial role in
establishing and maintaining relationships between objects. When one
object refers to another object through attributes or associations, it is the
unique identifier that allows for accurate referencing.

Persistence: Object Identity is maintained consistently across different

states of an object. Even if an object is stored, retrieved, modified, and re-
stored in the database, its unique identity remains the same.

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Identity Independence: Object Identity provides identity independence,
meaning that the identity of an object is maintained regardless of changes to
its attributes or state. This is in contrast to relational databases, where the
primary key is often tied to the data values and may change if those values
change.

Object Evolution: Object Identity supports the evolution of objects over

time. As objects are updated or modified, their unique identity allows the
system to track and manage changes effectively.

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Object Structure

Object Structure refers to the way in which data and methods are
organized within an object. It encompasses the attributes (data) and
methods (functions) that define the behavior of the object.
The organization of data and methods within an object is fundamental to
the encapsulation principle of object-oriented programming.
• Encapsulation ensures that an object's internal representation is hidden from
the outside world, and interaction with the object is performed through well-
defined interfaces.

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• Here are key aspects related to Object Structure in Object-Oriented Databases:

Classes: Objects in an OODB are instances of classes. Classes define the

blueprint or template for creating objects. They specify the attributes (data) and
methods (functions) that objects of that class will have.

Attributes: Attributes represent the data associated with an object. Each object
has a set of attributes that define its state. These attributes can be of various data
types and may include simple types (integers, strings) or more complex types
(other objects).

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Methods: Methods are functions associated with objects. They define the
behavior or operations that can be performed on objects of a particular class.
Methods encapsulate the functionality related to the object, promoting
encapsulation and modularity.

Encapsulation: Encapsulation is a key principle in object-oriented programming

and is closely tied to object structure. It involves bundling the data (attributes) and
methods that operate on the data within a single unit (the object). Encapsulation
helps in hiding the internal details of an object and exposing only the necessary
interfaces.
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Inheritance: Inheritance is a mechanism that allows the creation of new
classes based on existing ones. It facilitates code reuse and helps in
modeling relationships between classes. Inherited classes share the
attributes and methods of their parent classes.

Relationships: Objects in an OODB can have relationships with other

objects. These relationships are defined by associations between classes and
can include one-to-one, one-to-many, or many-to-many relationships.
Object Structure involves specifying how objects are related to each other.

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• Object Structure in an Object-Oriented Database encompasses the

organization of objects through classes, the definition of attributes and
methods within those classes, encapsulation of data and functionality,
inheritance for code reuse, and the specification of relationships
between objects. This structure is fundamental to the principles of
object-oriented programming and plays a crucial role in designing and
managing data in an OODB.
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Type Constructors

Type Constructors are mechanisms in OODBs that define and create types
or classes. They specify how objects of a particular type should be
constructed, including their attributes and methods.
Type Constructors play a crucial role in the schema definition of the
database. They define the blueprint for creating objects, ensuring
consistency and structure across instances of the same type.
• Type Constructors support features such as inheritance, allowing for the
creation of new types based on existing ones.

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• Here's a breakdown of the significance and features of Type

Constructors in OODBs:

Type Definition: Type Constructors play a crucial role in the

definition of types or classes within an OODB. They provide a means
to specify the structure of objects, including attributes and methods.

• Example: In an OODB, a Type Constructor might be used to define a

"Person" class with attributes such as name, age, and address.

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Attribute Specification: Type Constructors allow the specification of

attributes associated with a class. Attributes represent the data
members or properties of an object.

• Example: For the "Person" class, a Type Constructor would specify

attributes like "name" (string), "age" (integer), and "address" (string).

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Method Declaration: Type Constructors can include the declaration of methods
that define the behavior of objects belonging to a particular class.
• Example: For the "Person" class, a Type Constructor might declare methods like
"getAge()" or "updateAddress()".
Inheritance Support: Type Constructors often support the concept of
inheritance, allowing the creation of new classes based on existing ones. This
promotes code reuse and hierarchical structuring of classes.
• Example: A Type Constructor could enable the creation of a "Student" class that
inherits attributes and methods from the "Person" class.

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Encapsulation and Access Control: Type Constructors contribute to
encapsulation, a fundamental principle of object-oriented
programming. They define the visibility and accessibility of attributes
and methods, supporting the concept of private and public members.

• Example: A Type Constructor might specify that the "age" attribute is

private, accessible only through getter and setter methods.

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Polymorphism: Some Type Constructors support polymorphism,
allowing objects of different classes to be treated as objects of a
common base class. This enhances flexibility and enables more
generic code.

• Example: A Type Constructor might support polymorphic behavior by

allowing objects of various derived classes to be treated uniformly
through a common interface.

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• Type Constructors in Object-Oriented Databases are essential for

defining the structure, behavior, and relationships of objects within the
database. They provide a means for creating and organizing types or
classes, facilitating the modeling of real-world entities and their
interactions. The specific features and syntax of Type Constructors
may vary depending on the OODB system being used.

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Type Hierarchies and Inheritance

• In Object-Oriented Databases (OODBs), type hierarchies and

inheritance play a significant role in organizing and structuring
data. These concepts are closely tied to the principles of object-
oriented programming and contribute to the flexibility, reuse, and
modeling capabilities of the database.

• Here's a closer look at Type Hierarchies and Inheritance in OODB:

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Type Hierarchies
Type hierarchies represent the arrangement of types or classes in a
hierarchical structure. It establishes a relationship between a base type
(parent class) and its derived types (subclasses). Each level in the hierarchy
inherits characteristics from the level above it.
Significance
Inheritance of Characteristics: Types lower in the hierarchy inherit attributes and
behaviors from types higher in the hierarchy.
Organizing Entities: Type hierarchies help in organizing different entities based on
their similarities and differences.

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Base Type (Parent Class): The base type, also known as the parent
class or superclass, is the type from which other types inherit attributes
and methods. It serves as the template for the derived types.

Significance:
Common Characteristics: The base type contains characteristics common to
all its derived types.
Generalization: It allows for the generalization of shared attributes and
behaviors.
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Derived Type (Subclass): The derived type, also known as the

subclass, is a type that inherits attributes and methods from a base
type. It may also introduce new attributes and methods.

Significance:
Specialization: The derived type specializes the base type by adding specific
attributes or behaviors.

 Extension: It extends the functionality of the base type.

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Implementation in OODB:

Type Constructors: Type Constructors in OODB define how types

are constructed, including the specification of attributes and methods.

• They support the creation of types that participate in hierarchies.

Type Inheritance: OODBs support the concept of type inheritance,

allowing for the creation of new types based on existing ones. This
includes inheriting attributes and methods.

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Example:

• Consider a type hierarchy for "Vehicle," where "Car" and

"Motorcycle" are derived types. The base type "Vehicle" may have
attributes like "make" and "model," and methods like "startEngine.“

• The derived types can inherit these attributes and methods and
introduce their own specific attributes.

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• In summary, type hierarchies and inheritance in OODBs provide a
powerful mechanism for organizing and modeling data in a way that
reflects real-world relationships and promotes code reuse.

• These concepts are fundamental to the principles of object-oriented

databases and contribute to their flexibility and adaptability.

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• Key Characteristics:
Object Identity allows individual objects to be uniquely identified
within the database.
It is typically immutable and persists throughout the object's
lifecycle.
Object Identity enables the retrieval, updating, and deletion of
specific objects within the database.

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2. Object Structure:

• Definition: Object Structure refers to the arrangement and

composition of data within an object.

• Example: Continuing with the employee database example, the object

structure of an Employee object may include attributes such as name,
address, salary, and department.

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• Key Characteristics:

Object Structure defines the schema or blueprint for constructing

objects within the database.
It specifies the attributes or properties that characterize each object
type.
Object Structure facilitates the organization and manipulation of
data within objects.
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3. Type Constructors:

• Definition: Type Constructors are mechanisms for defining complex

data types or structures within the database schema.

• Example: In the employee database, a type constructor can define a

custom data type called "Employee" with attributes such as name
(string), age (integer), and department (string).

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• Key Characteristics:
• Type Constructors enable the creation of custom data types that encapsulate
object structures.

• They provide a means for defining classes or types within the database
schema, similar to object-oriented programming.

• Type Constructors facilitate the creation, instantiation, and manipulation of

objects based on defined data types.

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• 4. Type Hierarchies and Inheritance:

• Definition: Type Hierarchies represent the relationships between types in

the database schema, often organized in a hierarchical structure. Inheritance
is a key mechanism in which subtypes inherit attributes and behaviors from
supertypes.

• Type Hierarchies and Inheritance organize types in a hierarchical structure

and enable the reuse of attributes and behaviors through inheritance.

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• Example: In our employee database, we might have a type hierarchy

with a Person supertype and Employee and Manager subtypes. The
Employee subtype inherits attributes and methods from the Person
supertype, such as name and age, while adding its own specific
attributes, such as salary. Similarly, the Manager subtype might further
extend the Employee type with additional attributes like department.

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• Differences:
1.Purpose:
1. Object Identity: Identifies individual objects within the database uniquely.
2. Object Structure: Defines the arrangement and composition of data within objects.
3. Type Constructors: Define custom data types or classes within the database schema.

2.Focus:
1. Object Identity: Focuses on uniquely identifying objects.
2. Object Structure: Focuses on organizing data within objects.
3. Type Constructors: Focus on defining data types for objects.

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• Level of Abstraction:
Object Identity: Represents a low-level detail, identifying
individual objects.
Object Structure: Represents a mid-level detail, specifying the
attributes and properties of objects.
Type Constructors: Represent a higher-level detail, defining
custom data types encapsulating object structures.

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