Generating Executable Persistent Data Storage/Retrieval Code from Object-Oriented Specifications

This research creates a methodology and corresponding prototype for the transformation of object-oriented (OO) specifications to represent the corresponding relational schemas that are used to automatically generate database design language (DDL). The transformation design decisions and specifications are then used to generate database manipulation language (DML) that can be embedded within the software application code generated from the same OO specifications. This concept of developing a model for producing compilable and executable code from formal software specifications has long been a goal of software engineers. Previous research at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) has not focused on the representation of persistent data from OO software specifications. Relational databases are historically among the most popular methods of managing persistent data associated with software systems. However, there is not an automated tool available that will create the DDL and DML from OO specifications. This research develops a framework for combining these separate processes into a single step. Generating the relational database and the operations to manage data within the database from the formal software system specification. When combined with software system code generation, this research will allow the production of entire software systems to include the application code and persistent data management in a relational database