CONCEPTUAL DESIGN OF OBJECT-ORIENTED DATABASE SCHEMAS USING THE BINARY-RELATIONSHIP MODEL

We describe an algorithmic method for transforming a binary-relationsh ip (BR) conceptual schema to an object-oriented (OO) database schema. The BR schema is a semantically rich diagram that represents the reali ty being modeled in terms of objects, relationships and constraints. I t is easy to understand and serves as a communication tool between use rs and designers. Therefore it can be created in the early stages of s ystem development, and later on be transformed into a specific OO data base schema. The transformation method employs a multi-stage algorithm , which first identifies the essential objects in the BR schema, toget her with their relationships and constraints. These are then mapped to object classes, attributes, and constraints, maintaining the semantic s and all types of constraints present in the conceptual schema.