Expert systems for database design: A comparative review

摘要

Various researchers have applied artificial intelligence technology in the form of export systems to the process of database design. This report examines several approaches, comparing them using the following criteria: stage of database design supported, type of user interface employed, method used to drive the design process, whether the approach possesses any domain specific knowledge, database design technique used, whether the ‘undoing’ of design states is permitted, and whether any learning capability is present. Several approaches are examined, either due to their historical significance, or because they illustrate a specific point of interest relating to the problem. Two distinct groups of systems are identified, those accommodating direct contact by users, and those relying on externally provided information. The report concludes by discussing the current state of the subject area, and recommends that an area for future development be the application of the technique to the design of structures capable of increased semantic content.