A constructive approach for conceptual database design

The chapter focuses on the conceptual database design evolution, by introducing concepts which are common to both information systems and software engineering researches. An optimization algorithm of partitioning, based on the decomposition of objects and on the inheritance of attributes, is proposed and extended. The extended algorithm, which defines a formal constructive mapping from conceptual to logical database models, aims to show how some updates reflecting modifications occurring in the real life can affect the conceptual database design. The paper evidences the idea that model design which retains quality aspects, such as maintainability and re-usability over a long life time, suggests also appropriate implementations which can be characterized by innovation and productivity. Algorithms of partitioning have been exploited within a database design methodology for quality, a method of re-engineering, and recently in concept theory for digital preservation.