Microcomputer implementations of an object-oriented, multiprocessing database programming language

Abstract

We have designed and implemented an database programming language and environment called RAPP, based on a tight integration of the relational data model and the object-oriented data modelling facilities of a modular, multiprocessing programming language. Persistence is provided through the relation data type and so the simplicity of the relational model is retained. However, attributes of relations may be of type class, thereby permitting the implementation of a wide variety of object-oriented data modelling constructs. Classes in RAPP support data abstraction, encapsulation and multiple inheritance. Concurrency is provided by means of an explicit database transaction mechanism. The core of the system consists of a relatively small, well-structured, multi-pass compiler which generates a simple intermediate code for an abstract machine. This paper outlines the principal features of the RAPP system and its implementation on microcomputers.