Metadata management and relational databases

ABSTRACT

A simple extension to the relational model that permits meta-data (more generally metaknowledge) to be stored and manipulated as first class data is proposed. The accompanying query language is SQL extended with reification and reflection capabilities. Together, these extensions offer a relational framework for addressing a number of long-standing and modern database problems. Some rewriting properties of the query language are studied, and application to data integration along with a prototype implementation is described.

REFERENCES

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.2 DATABASE MANAGEMENT
      H.2.1 Logical Design
          Subjects: Data models

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.2 DATABASE MANAGEMENT
      H.2.3 Languages
          Subjects: Query languages

General Terms:
Design, Languages, Management

Keywords:
data integration, metadata management, parameterized and meta-queries