Data model descriptions and translation signatures in a multi-model framework

Abstract

We refer to the problem of translating schemas from a data model to another, in a multi-model framework. Specifically, we consider an approach where translations are specified as Datalog-like programs. In this context we show how it is possible to reason on models and schemas involved as input and output for a translation. The various notions are formalized: (i) concise descriptions of models in terms of sets of constructs, with associated propositional formulas; (ii) a notion of signature for translation rules (with the property that signatures can be automatically computed out of rules); (iii) the application of signatures to models. The main result is that the target model of a translation can be completely characterized given the description of the source model and the signatures of the rules. This result is being exploited in the framework of a tool that implements model generic translations, as the basis for the automatic generation of translations out of a library of elementary ones.