Refactoring of a Database

TL;DR

This paper explores creating a generic database refactoring framework using a metadata manipulation tool that is database-independent, addressing constraints preservation and proposing alternatives to Java for constraint extraction.

Contribution

It introduces a MetaData Manipulation Tool with a template design pattern for database independence and discusses an alternative to Java for constraint extraction.

Findings

Proposed a database-independent refactoring framework

Developed a MetaData Manipulation Tool using Template Pattern

Identified limitations of Java for constraint extraction

Abstract

The technique of database refactoring is all about applying disciplined and controlled techniques to change an existing database schema. The problem is to successfully create a Database Refactoring Framework for databases. This paper concentrates on the feasibility of adapting this concept to work as a generic template. To retain the constraints regardless of the modifications to the metadata, the paper proposes a MetaData Manipulation Tool to facilitate change. The tool adopts a Template Design Pattern to make it database independent. The paper presents a drawback of using java for constraint extraction and proposes an alternative.