A history and evaluation of System R

ABSTRACT

System R, an experimental database system, was constructed to demonstrate that the usability advantages of the relational data model can be realized in a system with the complete function and high performance required for everyday production use. This paper describes the three principal phases of the System R project and discusses some of the lessons learned from System R about the design of relational systems and database systems in general.

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INDEX TERMS

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

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

General Terms:
Experimentation, Management, Performance

Keywords:
access path selection, authorization, compilation, database management systems, locking, recovery, relational model