Data Model Versioning and Database Evolution

Abstract

In the field of computer science, we are currently facing a major problem designing models that evolve over time. This holds in particular for the case of databases: Their data models need to evolve, but their evolution is difficult. User requirements are now changing much faster than before for several reasons, among them the changing perception of the real world and the development of new technologies. Databases show little flexibility in terms of supporting changes in the organization of their schemas and data. Database evolution approaches maintain current populated data and software application functionalities when changing database schema. Data model versioning is one of these chosen approaches used to resolve the evolution of conventional and nonconventional databases such as temporal and spatial-temporal databases. This article provides some background on database evolution and versioning technique fields. It presents the unresolved issues as well.