Relational Models Versus Object Models

When it comes to application development in the business world, the conflict between relational models and object models is one of the biggest headaches. Relational databases are firmly entrenched in most companies. Even startup companies tend to prefer relational databases to some of the less-common alternatives, such as object databases.

You can generally find more tools available for relational databases—from schema managers to report generators. Relational databases are more language-independent. You can usually store data with a Perl script and read it back out with a Visual Basic program. Object databases and other object persistence mechanisms aren't as language-independent. You might be able to use ...

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