Object-Oriented Data Modeling (OODM)

Abstract 

An object-oriented data model or otherwise, the OODM, is described as logic organization of the real world objects or entities with constraints and relationship with objects. Object-oriented data model design is defined for both a logical database project and database access because of its ability to accommodate several processes such as generalization, integration, and particularization of databases. This process is understood as the capability to support realistic but complex objects. Descriptively, the object-oriented data model comprises of several concepts; there is the object and object identifier, attributes or methods and lastly, there is class and class hierarchy/inheritance concept. In the area of computers, object-oriented data model has a massive reception there significantly influencing computer science phenomenon

In this paper, the computer science efforts in designing the object-oriented data model are briefly discussed. The concepts of the object-oriented data model are laid bare including the mechanisms in which it operates efforts in the area of object-oriented database modeling. Further, the concepts of OODM are addressed and essentially looking at the salient features of the model in relation to its industrial applicability. In the same breath, a brief discussion will focus on the data modeling techniques .

Keywords: data model, database system, database concepts, database engines and schemas 

Introduction 

In the world of computer science, a n object-oriented database is a databank or catalog purposively created by developers, which subscribes to a prototypical or model that has information characterized by things, in this case, objects. Generally, an Object-oriented database creates a function or an avenue that offers an eased up methodology of managing data that would be otherwise not be a smooth task in other general databases. As technology evolve daily so is the object-oriented data model. As a result, data is being used, shared, managed and used to run daily affairs. Therefore, it is order to have a grasp of what entails the object-oriented data model. As it is described, it is practicable that OODM’S main piece or standpoint is encapsulated in its definition of objects as compared to other general databases protocols (Shinde & Desai, 2014) .

Noteworthy, objects as explained in an OODM indicates the capability of being able to create or develop a product coupled up with the ability to define, describe and name the product accordingly. Once a product is identified and named, it is easier to reference it without necessarily belaboring into details of its complex structures. Practically, the above-discussed features may be analogously be likened to the day today computer programming. In other words, it is evident that object-oriented database is that model that is grounded on the actual existing realm or world state. A clear example is a motor vehicle mechanism; it has parts, intake and output systems among others. It is notable that these parts alone cannot work as a vehicle. But when all the parts are combined and systematically pieced together, it becomes a complete car and able to move from point A to B.

In the same breath, taking the above-mentioned motor vehicle analogy, true that programming and object-oriented data model takes this shape. Under OODM, a programmer can identify and describe numerous components which may include the vertical, intersecting, perpendicular or horizontal line with categorized measurements. As a consequence, it is such an object that collectively may be referred to as a graph. Having noted that an Object-oriented data model is based on real-world circumstances. It is important to note that these circumstances may be represented as objects holding unalike attributes but at the same time having different relations (Shinde and Desai, 2014) . In a model, there are objects with attributes or methodology, which are grouped in a class. Where another class is derived from the original class, it is referred to as the inheritance. Below is a table to explain the same.

TRIANGLE 

-Base 

-Height 

RECTANGLE 

-Length 

-Breath 

CIRCLE 

-Centre 

-Radius 

Shape with area/ perimeter 

In this model diagram, one notes that there are shapes, labeled as circles, triangle, rectangle and triangle which form the object. The triangles attributes are in its height and base, the circle has radius and center, while a rectangle comprises of the length and breadth but all are connected to one model. In the circumstances, one can discover that OODM enhances a structured menu-based line. This line forms the interface that procedurally allows a person using data to identify particular schema and utilize it from the database without having to invoke the OODM necessarily. Importantly, the interface also has the capability to reclaim menu data from the set of interrelated objects database cache. Therefore, the paper focuses to methodically endeavor to review and give an outline on the concept of OODM majoring in its functionalities especially in data organization or management.

The OODM Concepts and Functionalities 

Stemming from the above, an object-oriented data model fundamentally revolves around the concepts that encompass the aspects of an object and an identifier. Similarly, it involves methods and the necessary attributes, class and hierarchy in what is referred to as the class inheritance because it is derived from the original class. Hypothetically it is discernible that the designers of the object-oriented model formulated the real world existence of objects as noted above. In the same breath, it is also noticeable that whereas this scenario of real-world objects that are related with several unusual identifiers are used to point out an object, the attributes in the same categories and in relation to the methodology used gives an object a certain character in a state in which it operates (Marron & Alonso, 2014). 

As a result of the above presence objects nature, it is outstanding that the existence of an object in that state or protocol is condensed in the same object from where it is located. In a class, a cluster of the identified objects are fundamentally related or share the same attributes. In this case, a class therefore formed or compared to what is referred to as abstract data type. As also noted by Marron and Alonso (2014), the class hierarchy and the class inheritance in object derives a new class from an existing one otherwise referred to as a subclass. Consequentially, this subclass attributes significant features originate from the original or current class and in some cases, they may have added attribute than the original.

Relatively, a process via the full utilization of the object-oriented database functionalities, OODM significantly provide a rounded up and required services that are interrelated. Resultantly, the model to a greater extent organizes various objects, generates the class, and restructures the hierarchy, and all the attributes of that arise in a class therein. Also, it provides services that are interconnected with contemporary and predictable database procedures (Marron & Alonso, 2014). I t is also positively identifiable that through the OODM functionalities, management of the database is made easier. In the words of Damesha (2015), object-oriented data model and databases stores data in object forms. According to Damesha's research, an object is anything that can be uniquely be identified and which replicates a real-world situation through its own characteristics. In this regard, the Object Oriented data model is best suitable for computer programming because it has the possibilities of reducing restrictions in databases when required.

Practically as identified in the above sections, it is not in dispute on what OODMS entails. To expound the same in a layman language, an object-oriented database model as compared to other models combines the concept of object-oriented programming. This methodology in line with database technology makes it possible to produce an extensively integrated application development system (Damesha, 2015). Comparatively, it is also evident that this type of model significantly allows the usage of abstract data. An example of such abstract data includes regular videos, audio, and other formats.

Considering the nature and concepts of the object-oriented data model, the circumstance indicates that indeed the OODM operates and is characterized by a twofold phenomenon. Firstly, the model essentially enables the designer or program developer to showcase a tool for demonstrating the data or information therein. At the same time, the OODM methodology allows the user or the clientele to be able to use and access the data being demonstrated in a simple, comprehensive with eased up process (Damesha, 2015). To understand the effective mechanism of object-oriented data models and computer science programming, the two cannot be separated. OODM comprises of the two fragments. These parts entail one, the conceptual schema and secondly, the data operations part. On the one hand, the conceptual schema is what defines the actual world situation about objects. In this part, the object relationship is divided into three more parts which are aggregation, generalization and significantly, the particularization (Marron& Alonso, 2014). 

Aggregation is that type of block where the process is shown when it acts on some specific association. This type of association is the form of abstraction where a relationship between several objects is regarded as higher level objects. Generalization on the block is also an abstraction; however, this abstraction involves or enables a class of objects to be grouped or thought as or to be single objects. OODM is more enhanced with the capability of particularization than the two mentioned abstractions. Particularization occurs where an object despite having several characteristics, is capable of being into another existing object. Considering these explanations, it is worth noting that OOD model structure provides an interface that is menu-based interface. This line or interface has the capability of allowing the user of information to be able to access the dataset and be able to understand its schema model. This schema model has a trait which makes the OOD model most favorite in the world of computer science.

Importantly, by considering the conceptual schema of the object-oriented data model, it is discoverable that the schema is encapsulated in three features. These include the attributes, object, object types and their relationships. In the above sections, the focus has been drawn to explaining objects, types, and attributes. In an attempt to understand the relationship; it is notable that this relationship involves the aggregation, generalization, and particularization which is binarily fused. Aggregation relation under OODM is that connection which allows objects to refer to each other while under generalization allows district objects to be grouped together (Shinde & Desai, 2014) . On the other hand, particularization creates that relation of one parent abject to another offspring object type in group characteristic.

Data Modeling Techniques 

With the dawn of computer science technology and the programming knowledge readily available, choosing the form of the database engine is not synonymous. As earlier discussed, it is evident that the population has significantly adopted the usage of the object-oriented data model as the most appropriate database engine. Data modeling invokes the analysis and methodically breakdown of data, and its objects as it relates to other data objects. It is technically the initial stage in designing and OODM programming (Tiede, 2014). At this stage, a designer majorly creates a concept or model that will consequentially formulate into a physical schema. 

It has not been easy for entities that deals with data handling, management and controlling especially for organizations using old-fashioned and outdated technology to collect and distribute data. In this regard, therefore; data modeling comes in as a method utilized to change data into a standard form that is predictable and consistent for proper management. There are several methods otherwise referred to as data modeling techniques. According to Tiede, (2014), the first technique includes data mapping otherwise referred to as object-relational mapping. This data mapping is a modeling method that involves data migration and data integration. The technique basically makes it possible for an entity or database engine to discover data problem and resolve it beforehand which may be detrimental if left unresolved. Secondly, there is Bachman’s diagram technique which involves a structure that designs data with a network model thereby separates the model from data storage in the system.

Similarly, there is also the technique of the relational model. This technique is invoked to manage data by utilization of a language and structure what is logically predictable by representing its tuples otherwise referred to as assembled relations. Integration DEFinition for data modeling otherwise known as IDEF1X is another modeling technique used in programming. It is basically a modeling language for the progression of certain data referred to as semantic models. This technique primarily produces visual or graphically structured information in a system which is crucial in management of data resources or constructing a computer database. Computer science world also allows the usage of the extended Backus-Naur form also known as EBNF as a modeling technique (Tiede, 2014). EBNF adopts the use of metasyntax notations to create what is described as context-free grammar; that is expressing grammar in formal language.

The next technique is data vault modeling that designers use to provide durable and continued archival storage of all the data collected for upcoming projects from numerous working or operational systems. It may also be described as a way of being able to trace data, looking at the historical background when data was collated and stored. This technique significantly support business functions such as auditing. The technique also describes data singularly as a ‘Vault' or single version of the factual information. Lastly, it is important to highlight that under modeling; there are several of them that cannot be possibly be discussed in this paper. Some of the other data modeling techniques include the relational model. RM, as it is referred to in database modeling, is not only a technique but also a system of management. This technique is a given a methodology of handling or dealing with data by use of logical language and structure. In this method, data is simply grouped in classes, otherwise known as tuples that are later assembled into relations for eased understanding. It is at this where it derives the name relational model (Byeong et al. 2017). 

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Object-Oriented Data Models 

Having discussed the concept, functionality and researched on the on the modeling techniques of the object-oriented data model; It is also important to understand its advantages and why it is preferred in computer science. There are numerous advantages of OODM, however, will discuss few in this paper. One of the well-known functionality and preferred by programmers and developers is the model’s ability to handle, manage and deal with a wider range and various categories of data. Comparing to other forms of database network relational database, OODM surpasses them all.

The OODM functionality extensively allows for an enhanced modeling capacity. This functionality gives it an upper hand over other forms of databases. An object-oriented data model has the capability of reducing the world into a computer data and vice versa. In this phenomenon, one can view data from a more logical perspective to reality. Related to the above, the object-oriented data model basically gives room for extensibility. The extensibility is enshrined in the systems’ proficiency that allows original or incoming data to be built from the existing one (Byeong et al. 2017). With such circumstances, it sustainably enables a user to strengthen its reusable capability and maintenance.

Another crucial advantage of the OODM is vested in its ability to allow for the removal of importance impedance mismatches in a model. Note that, this removal is achieved by the menu interface that is occasioned by the language modeling and programming. Consequentially, it helps reduce or overcome mismatch errors. There is no dispute that the OOD model to a greater extent has contributed to the evolution of schemas, database applications such as the CAD or CASE. Ostensibly, OODM as an object-oriented database paradigm provides a real definition of the world semantically. This situation greatly provides a platform for amplified modeling power. The possibility here is vested by the OODM’s capability to provide the ability to handle deal semantically with indefinable objects as compared to ere dealing with single records or the normal tuples (Marron & Alonso, 2014). Basing on this notion and capability, the OODM is there capable of reducing the semantic gaps that are occasioned severally in the real world as compared to the representation in the database. 

Regarding limitations and just like any other database model, object-oriented data model also has various aspects that to some extent points out the areas in which it has challenges or rather disadvantages. Some of the limitations include the level of experience matters a great deal. OODM even though widely accepted, it has a rather relatively lesser experience as compared to other forms of database models such as the OODBM. In the same breadth, although not fatal, OODMS will operate batter in a small market organization. Also to note is that the OOD model has its limitation revolving around its lack of universality in what may be termed as the lack of a universal data model (Marron & Alonso, 2014). Basically, it is notable that OOD model creation has no well-formulated theoretical backing.

Complexity is another challenging limitation that meets the utilization of object-oriented models. Even though it has been noted earlier in this paper that OODMs are easy to use because of its practicability and relation to the real world situation; it is good to note that this is not always the case. While invoking its usability, it is discoverable that indeed the OOD model has that increased functionality. Unnoticed although to some extent prevalent, it the challenge posed by the lack of support for security that is crucial in any database or computer science world (Shinde and Desai, 2014) . It is evident that some of the OODMs do not have sufficient safety devices, therefore, making the database exposed to vulnerability.

In conclusion, the findings indicate that OODM to a greater is favorable especially through its conceptual schemas, the menu based interfaces and generally through its methodology of data operations. In a nutshell, the object-oriented model plays a significant role in data management, and the role is in twofold. Firstly, the database model has the capability to store information or connections between two objects where data is stored in such a manner; it makes it easier to and comprehensive for data operations. Secondly, it is notable that the object-oriented data model's menu-based interface allows a menu space for users own utilization. In this manner, a user can navigate and discover all the data in the database. However, the existence of obvious limitations negatively impacts the usage of the object-oriented database. This limitation or challenge may be addressed by toning down the complexities and significantly improving on the support for security.

Reference

Byeong, K. S. et al. (2017). Data modeling versus simulation modeling in the big data era: A case study of a greenhouse control system Sage Journals, 93(7), 579 – 594. doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/0037549717692866

Damesha S. H. (2015). Object oriented database management systems-concepts, advantages, limitations and comparative study with relational database management systems. Global Journal of Computer Science and Technology: C Software & Data Engineering 15 (3).

Marron, J. S., & Alonso, A. M. (2014). Overview of the object-oriented data analysis. Biometrical Journal ,  56 (5), 732-753. 

Shinde, S. N., & Desai, C. (2014). Object oriented data model for constraint management.  International Journal of Computer Applications (0975–8887) Recent Advances in Information Technology , 38-41. 

Tiede, D. (2014). A new geospatial overlay method for the analysis and visualization of spatial change patterns using object-oriented data modeling concepts.  Cartography and Geographic Information Science, 41 (3), 227-234.