Cascade delete using a backward reference persistent data target object within a unidirectional relational database relationship

摘要

A method is described for making a change in an object oriented relational database in which objects that represent items of persistent data are related to other objects that represent items of persistent data. The method comprises referring to a backward reference contained in a first object that does not have visibility to a second object that the first object is in a unidirectional relationship with. The first object represents a first item of persistent data. The second object represents another item of persistent data. The backward reference identifies the second object. The method also comprises removing the unidirectional relationship, adding a new unidirectional relationship from a third object to the first object, and modifying the backward reference to identify the third object rather than the second object. A cascade delete method that uses a backward reference is also described.