DESCRIBING DATABASE OBJECTS IN A CONCEPT LANGUAGE ENVIRONMENT

In this paper, we formally investigate the structural similarities and differences existing between object database models and concept langu ages establishing a correspondence between the two environments. Objec t Databases Models deal with two kinds of data: individual objects, wh ich have an identity, and values, which can be basic values or can hav e complex structures containing both basic values and objects. Concept Languages only deal with individual objects. The correspondence point s out the different role played by objects and values in both approach es and defines a way of properly mapping database descriptions into co ncept language descriptions at both a terminological and assertional l evel. Once the mapping is achieved, object databases can take advantag e of both the algorithms and the results concerning their complexity d eveloped in concept languages.