Comparing and Contrasting the Relational Database Model and the Object-Oriented Database Model
...generation. However there remains some discussion about which model is best. In the following paragraphs I will define the Relational Database Model, I will define the Object-Oriented Database Model, I will offer a comparison of the two, as well as a contrast. According to Hernandez (1997), the Relational Database Model is “based on two branches of mathematics – set theory and first order predicate logic. In fact, the RDM derives its name from the term “relation,” which is a part of set theory” (p. 12). The RDM is made up of relations (or tables) which can be connected to other tables by a Primary key or a Foreign key. Relationships can be categorized as one-to-one, one-to-many, and many-to-many. Hernandez (1997) continues, they “are also very important to data integrity because they help reduce redundant data and duplicate data (p. 46). Unlike the previous database models, the RDM does not rely on the physical location of the data for users to be able to retrieve information from it. Reid (1996) said “Object-Oriented databases programmers can define new data types with programmer-defined rules as to how they will work. These are just as valid as the ones that come with the database” (para. 8). The OODM is capable of handling complex data types such as multimedia, voice and image processing data, which can cause problems with the RDM (Waltz, Yen, and Lee, 1995, para. 26). This model supports the types of data that is being used more and more each day. A road-block for object-oriented databases is that they have no ready-to-use query language (para. 35). There are some similarities between the Relational Database Model and the Object-Oriented Model. These similarities include: • The OODM and RDM offer similar features such as data back-up, crash protection, security, etc (Waltz, Yen, and Lee, 1995). Both models have features which maintain its stability. In some organizations security is an important issue which is also addressed. • Both offer cross-platform compatibility – The RDM through the standard of SQL, and the OODM through the linking of objects (Waltz, Yen, and Lee, 1995). Each model can be used on a variety of platforms. The RDM offers this compatibility through Structured Query Language (SQL). Because of the objects, which are developed for one system can be ported to other systems and programs; the OODM also offers compatibility (Waltz, Yen, and Lee, 1995). • Objects correspond roughly to rows, and classes are similar to groups of rows in a table. Both database models are structured in a similar manner. Some of the differences between the Relational Database Model and the Object-Oriented Model are: • The OODM is better for handling complex data types, such as sound and graphics. The RDM is better for handling large, distributed systems (Waltz, Yen, and Lee, 1995). Each model has its strengths. • The RDM has a standard; an OODM standard has not been fully developed yet (Waltz, Yen, and Lee, 1995). As mentioned before the RDM has a standard, while a standard for the OODM is still in development which is holding the model back from what it is capable of. • The OODM offers flexibility through the ability to combine various objects together, and to modify one ...