Supporting the object-oriented database on the Kernel Database System

Abstract

If a single operating system can support multitudes of different programming languages and data structures, a database system can support a variety of data models and data languages. In this thesis, a Kernel Database System (KDS) supporting classical data models and data languages (i.e., hierarchical, network, relational, and functional) is used to support a demonstration object oriented data model and data language. This thesis extends previous research by accommodating an object-oriented-data-model-and-language interface in the KDS. Consequently, the research shows that it is feasible to use the KDS to support modem data models and languages as well as classical ones. This thesis details the KDS design, Insert operation, and Display function. This thesis also details how to implement modifications to the Test-Interface so that the KDS can support the object-oriented database. This thesis proves complex data structures in an object-oriented data model can be realized using an attribute-based data model which is the kernel data model of the KDS. Second, it details how the KDS is designed showing why no changes needed to be made to the KDS to implement the object-oriented toy database. Third, it argues the advantages of using a KDS in the database-system design. The KDS design produces savings in costs from compatability, reduced training, expandability, and software reuse.