A DBMS Classification Matrix (Cont.)

Simple Data Complex Data
Query 2. Relational DBMS 4. Object-Relational DBMS
No Query 1. File System 3. Persistent Language

Quadrant 3: Complex Data without Queries
Persistent language is a language where created objects and variables continue to exist and retain their values between runs of the program.
Open floor plan example
  • For employee table records the employee‘.s name, current cubicle location (space), and the set of all other employees who share a common cubicle wall with the employee (adjacency).
CREATE TABLE  employee (
  name       VARCHAR(30),
  space      polygon,
  adjacency  SET-OF( employee ) );

CREATE TABLE  floors (
  number  INTEGER,
  asf     swiss_cheese_polygon );