| Article series explains object database |
Dec. 28, 2007
Throughout 2007, IBM's DeveloperWorks site has published a series of articles describing how to work with db4o. Collectively known as "The Busy Java Developer's Guide to db4o," written by Ted Neward, principal, Neward & Associates, the series has now been concluded via a new article on transaction security.
Embedded Linux developers who use Java are increasingly using the open source, object-oriented db4o for mobile device development. One of the key reasons for the growing popularity of this "retro" pure-object database, says Neward, is that relational databases such as Oracle, SQLServer and DB/2 still do a bad job of handling the objects that are implemented in languages such as Java code, C++, and C#. The reason, he argues, is that despite "object enhancements" to relational databases, they still use a fundamentally different approach to data management.
This "object-relational impedance mismatch," says Neward, is too deep to adequately work around with the usual manual mapping techniques. The key question centers, metaphysically enough, on an issue of identity. "Objects have an implicit sense of identity (denoted by the hidden/implicit this pointer or reference, which is essentially a location in memory)," he writes in the introduction, "whereas relations have an explicit sense of identity (identified by a primary key made up of the relation's attributes)."
The seven articles that comprise "The busy Java developer's guide to db4o" offer extensive code samples to describe how to build a single db4o application. The following gives a brief summary of each article:- Introduction and overview -- Why object databases like db4o are different from relational databases, and why you might need one.
- Queries, updates, and identity -- db4o doesn't support SQL, but it offers alternative query mechanisms, such as Query by Example, that can be easier to use, says Neward.
- Database refactoring with db4o -- Refactoring in a relational database is usually a major struggle, says Neward, but db4o simplifies refactoring to the point where it's almost trivial.
- Beyond simple objects -- When simple objects become structured (objects that reference objects) db40 can get trickier. Neward explains how to deal with issues such as infinite recursion, cascading behavior, and referential integrity.
- Arrays and Collections -- A follow-on to "Beyond simple objects," this article continues the exploration of structured object handling with a look at multiplicity relationships, where objects hold collections of objects as fields.
- Structured objects and collections -- How to work with concepts of inheritance to categorize and organize objects within a given system, and using inheritance as a core feature when creating queries.
- Transactions, distribution, and security -- This final article in the series shows how db4o handles three concerns central to Java enterprise development: transactions, distributed data management, and Web application security.
The full set of "The busy Java developer's guide to db4o" articles is available on IBM DeveloperWorks for free download here.
Related Stories:
(Click here for further information)
|
|
|
7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.
4 Legal Reasons to Control Internet Access
The Internet is obviously a valuable resource for many organizations. However, many are exposed to legal liability concerns because they fail to control Internet access. Learn if you're safe in this white paper.
Rapidly Resolve J2EE Application Problems
Whether you are in the process of building J2EE applications or have J2EE applications already running in production, you must ensure that they deliver the expected ROI. Learn how in this white paper.
Load Testing 2.0 for Web 2.0
There are many unknowns in stress testing Web 2.0 applications. Find out how to test the performance of Web 2.0 in this white paper.
Build Better Games Online
For the game infrastructure providers, life is complex. Making money from games has become more complicated. Why? Find out in this white paper.
Building a Virtual Infrastructure from Servers to Storage
This white paper discusses the virtual storage solutions that reduce cost, increase storage utilization, and address the challenges of backing up and restoring Server environments.
Gaining Faster Wireless Connections with WiMAX
Welcome to what is quickly becoming the hyperconnected world where anything that would benefit from being connected to the network will be connected. Learn more in this white paper.
Is Your Desktop a Security Threat?
The new wave of sophisticated crimeware not only targets specific companies, but also targets desktops and laptops as backdoor entryways into those business’ operations and resources. Learn how to stay safe in this white paper.
Increasing SAN Reliability by 100 Percent
Storage area networks (SAN) are a strong part of storage plans. Learn how to increase your reliability and uptime by 100 percent in this case study.
|
|
|
|
|
Use of this site is governed by our Terms of
Service and Privacy Policy.
Except where otherwise specified, the contents of this site are copyright © 1999-2008
Ziff Davis Enterprise Holdings Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Ziff Davis Enterprise is
prohibited. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
news feed