OODB
       Object Oriented Data Base (OOP, DB)
       

object-oriented database
OODB

    (OODB) A system offering DBMS facilities in an
   object-oriented programming environment.  Data is stored as
   objects and can be interpreted only using the methods
   specified by its class.  The relationship between similar
   objects is preserved (inheritance) as are references between
   objects.  Queries can be faster because joins are often not
   needed (as in a relational database).  This is because an
   object can be retrieved directly without a search, by
   following its object id.

   The same programming language can be used for both data
   definition and data manipulation.  The full power of the
   database programming language's type system can be used to
   model data structures and the relationship between the
   different data items.

   Multimedia applications are facilitated because the
   class methods associated with the data are responsible for
   its correct interpretation.

   OODBs typically provide better support for versioning.  An
   object can be viewed as the set of all its versions.  Also,
   object versions can be treated as full fledged objects.  OODBs
   also provide systematic support for triggers and
   constraints which are the basis of active databases.
   Most, if not all, object-oriented application programs that
   have database needs will benefit from using an OODB.

   Ode is an example of an OODB built on C++.

   (1997-12-07)