Conceptual modelling-based design of object-oriented databases

The focus of this article is the transformation of conceptual data models (such as ER, NIAM and PSM) to object-oriented databases. This transformation is captured within the framework of a two-level architecture. Conceptual models are first mapped to abstract intermediate specifications, which are then transformed to database schemas in a given object-oriented database environment. This enables us to treat different target systems in a uniform way. As final implementation environments, we consider object-oriented as well as object-relational DBMSs, including the SQL3 and ODMG-93 standards. We do not reveal the specific details of these standards. Rather, we use intermediate representations expressed in F-logic, a logic-based abstract specification language for object-oriented systems. Several transformation alternatives are discussed in a formal context, resulting in a collection of design options. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.