Constraint analysis: A tool for explaining the semantics of complex objects

Abstract

Constraint analysis is a design tool for object-oriented database environments that makes use of knowledge about constraints to support the design of user views and the specification of propagation actions. The constraint analysis process is supported by the formal, uniform representation of schema constraints. The formal representation supports the ability to analyze and explain constraints; the uniform representation allows both inherent and explicit constraints to be analyzed in the same manner. Using constraint analysis, the effects of constraints can be made explicit at design time to support the flexible specification of database operations that maintain object integrity. This paper presents the constraint representation that supports the analysis and explanation process.