The role of semantic analysis in overcoming the limitations of the relational data model

Abstract

Relevance. The article is devoted to defining the role of semantic analysis in overcoming the limitations of the traditional relational data model. The need for semantic data analysis arises from the demand for more expressive and capacious conceptual data models. The problem that has not yet been fully resolved is that classical relational models do not directly support data semantics - relationships, data abstraction, inheritance, polymorphism, encapsulation, complex objects, and dynamic properties of objects. Semantics refers to the use of certain constructs and methods to express features of the application environment that remain outside the traditional relational model. Semantic analysis allows to define more complex relationships and interactions between entities, including classifications, aggregations (complex objects that contain other objects), associations (links between entities), etc. The purpose of using semantics components is to increase the level of abstraction in design, which makes the model more versatile. Abstraction, in turn, is the creation of generalized models or classes that represent entities in the database. Semantic analysis helps determine how data will be stored and optimized in the database. It includes the selection of data types, indexing, normalization/denormalization, and other aspects of database design. Objective. The study considers the issues of semantic data analysis in the construction of relational models and relational databases. Research methods. Along with the theoretical analysis of the problem, the article collects and analyzes the actual material - data structures from existing projects and cloud applications (best practices) - using semantic analysis, and draws conclusions about the capabilities of existing relational models and relational databases to support semantics. Results. We described the elements of semantics, analyzed their role in building the model, and identified a number of semantic patterns as a means of overcoming the limitations of the relational model.