U2RS: an upgradable universal relation system

ABSTRACT

The two proposed advantages of the universal relation model are that it can deal with the logical navigation problem and the database structure upgrading problem [Maier 1984]. Most previous research has concentrated on the first advantage, to relieve the end-user from logical navigation through the underlying structures. However, the second proposed advantage, database structure upgrading, has not been fully discussed. This is the topic of this paper. An Upgradable Universal Relational System (U2RS), which is able to deal with the database structure upgrading problem, is presented. The procedures for verifying and executing database system upgrading operations are described, various anticipated situations when upgrading an existing universal relation database system are classified, and conditions for determining whether a given system will be upgradable for a given upgrading operation are examined.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.2 DATABASE MANAGEMENT
      H.2.4 Systems
          Subjects: Relational databases

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

General Terms:
Design, Management, Measurement, Performance, Theory, Verification