Impedance mismatch is not an "Objects vs. Relations" problem

TL;DR

This paper argues that impedance mismatch between object-oriented applications and relational databases is due to implementation issues, not fundamental differences between the paradigms, supported by experimental evidence showing their compatibility.

Contribution

It challenges the common view of impedance mismatch as a fundamental problem, providing experimental proof that OO and relational models are compatible.

Findings

No inherent contradiction between OO paradigm and relational data model

Implementation practices cause the perceived impedance mismatch

Experimental results support the compatibility of the two approaches

Abstract

A problem of impedance mismatch between applications written in OO languages and relational DB is not a problem of discrepancy between object-oriented and relational approaches themselves. Its real causes can be found in usual implementation of the OO approach. Direct comparison of the two approaches cannot be used as a base for the conclusion that they are discrepant or mismatched. Experimental proof of absence of contradiction between object-oriented paradigm and relational data model is also presented