[W/K] :: object-oriented database

  object-oriented database
       n : a database in which the operations carried out on
           information items (data objects) are considered part of
           their definition

  object-oriented database
       
           (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)