Identifying and update of derived functions in functional databases

Abstract

The consistency problems that arise in the design and implementation of functional databases are investigated. The notion of derived functions is used to capture the redundancies that are a common feature of the specification of fundamental databases. To maintain the consistency of databases in the presence of redundant specification, the derived functions in the conceptual schema are identified, and updates on derived functions are performed in a manner consistent with their derivations. An interactive design aid is developed to facilitate the identification of derived functions. Algorithms are developed of derived functions. Algorithms are developed that perform updates in a side-effect-free manner.<>