object-oriented database

database (OODB) A system offering DBMS facilities in an

object-oriented programming environment. Data is stored as

objects and can be interpreted only using the methods

specified by its class. The relationship between similar

objects is preserved (inheritance) as are references between

objects. Queries can be faster because joins are often not

needed (as in a relational database). This is because an

object can be retrieved directly without a search, by

following its object id.

The same programming language can be used for both data

definition and data manipulation. The full power of the

database programming language's type system can be used to

model data structures and the relationship between the

different data items.

Multimedia applications are facilitated because the

class methods associated with the data are responsible for

its correct interpretation.

OODBs typically provide better support for versioning. An

object can be viewed as the set of all its versions. Also,

object versions can be treated as full fledged objects. OODBs

also provide systematic support for triggers and

constraints which are the basis of active databases.

Most, if not all, object-oriented application programs that

have database needs will benefit from using an OODB.

Ode is an example of an OODB built on C++.

(1997-12-07)