Method and computer program product for implementing object relationships

摘要

In an interface-based binary object system capable of supporting multiple interfaces into objects created by class templates, a relationship is defined as a pair of complementary collections on two separate interfaces, each interface found on separate objects. A link between objects is formed when an interface of one object lists an object supporting the related interface included in the object and vice versa. The collections may be of objects supporting the related interfaces or may be of specific relationship objects leading to objects supporting the related interfaces. By implementing a specific relationship object, behavior may be imparted to the relationship itself thereby providing more robust system behavior. Objects thus linked can be easily traversed so that convenient navigation models can be implemented allowing clients quick access to desired objects by navigating through relationships between objects.