Relations as semantic constructs in an object-oriented language

ABSTRACT

The relation as a semantic construct in an object-oriented language clearly expresses associations and constraints among objects which would otherwise be buried in implementation code. The externalization of references between objects permits a symmetric, non-redundant conceptual model which merits its own special notation and predefined operations. The object-relation model, which combines the object-oriented model with the entity-relationship model from data base theory, is particularly useful for designing and partitioning systems of interrelated objects. Relations can be implemented efficiently using hash tables. The model proposed here has been fully implemented in an object-oriented language written by the author which has been used to implement several production applications.

REFERENCES

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  F. Theory of Computation
  F.3 LOGICS AND MEANINGS OF PROGRAMS

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.3 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
      D.3.3 Language Constructs and Features
          Subjects: Abstract data types

  F. Theory of Computation
  F.3 LOGICS AND MEANINGS OF PROGRAMS

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

General Terms:
Languages, Theory