Transformation of database populations and operations from the conceptual to the internal level

摘要

In this paper we describe a framework for the automatic transformation of databases from the conceptual to the internal level. Our approach fits in with the ANSI/SPARC three level architecture for database management systems. The framework consists of three components: structures (database schemata), populations (database contents) and operations (database manipulations). On the conceptual level we describe these components for modelling techniques, such as ER, NIAM and the Binary Relationship Model. On the internal level we focus on (nested) relational models. For each component on the conceptual level a separate transformation is provided to the internal level. The components are integrated by a central notion: the predicator. Further integration is obtained by means of basic population rules.