Repositories and object oriented databases

ABSTRACT

A repository is a shared database of information about engineered artifacts. An object-oriented repository has many of the same features as an object-oriented database: properties, relationships, and versioning. However, the two technologies are different for two reasons. First, a repository system has built-in information models, which are database schemas or object models that cover both generic and tool-specific kinds of information. Second, the features of a repository are often more functional than similar features supported by object-oriented databases. This paper is primarily a survey of the latter features, drawing attention to capabilities that distinguish repositories from object-oriented databases.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.2 DATABASE MANAGEMENT

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING

General Terms:
Design, Documentation, Management