Meta-modeling of inclusion dependency constraints

Abstract

In this paper we present a segment of our research efforts focused on meta-models relating to databases. We developed a meta-model of relational database schema and here we deal with one of its segments. Namely, some kinds of relational database constraints are well-known and can be implemented by the declarative Database Management System (DBMS) mechanisms, like key constraint and referential integrity constraint. However, some kinds of constraints are not recognized by contemporary DBMSs and have to be implemented through the procedural mechanisms. Very often these kinds of constraints are ignored by database designers in a way that they don't recognize, specify and implement them. The striking examples are some kinds of inclusion dependency (IND) constraints, like: inverse referential integrity constraint, conditional IND and extended IND. We believe that all kinds of constraints are important to be specified and implemented. In the paper a part of our meta-model concerning inclusion dependencies is presented.