A developmental model for data translation

ABSTRACT

A model for generalized data translation is presented. Data translation is defined as “the process whereby data stored in a form that can be processed on one computer (the source file) can be translated into a form (target file) which can be used by the same or different processing systems on a possibly different computer.” Inputs to the Data Translator are the source data and two descriptive languages which drive the translation process. A description of the source and target data is presented to the data translator in a Stored Data Definition Language (SDDL). This description includes both the logical (data structure) aspects of the data as well as the physical (storage structure) aspects. A Translation Definition Language (TDL) is used to define the source to target translation parameters. The data translation model includes several components - the source and target converters, which deal with the storage structure of the data, and a restructurer component which is concerned with changes in the logical structure of the data. A Normal Form of Data is introduced and used to allow the Restructurer to operate independently of the source and target conversion processes. The Normal Form of data provides a means of representing data which is independent of current data structuring dependencies.

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.2.5 Heterogeneous Databases

General Terms:
Theory