Objectstables

Objectstables are a design pattern used in software engineering and database systems to store and manage persistent objects within stable, versioned tables. The approach integrates object-oriented concepts with relational storage by mapping each runtime object to a row in an object table and tracking its identity across updates. Each object is assigned a persistent object identifier (OID) that remains constant over time, even as the object's state changes. The object table typically includes fields for the OID, type information, a serialized representation of the object's state, a version or timestamp, and metadata such as the creator or provenance.

In operation, updates to an object do not overwrite the existing row. Instead, new versions are appended or stored in a versioned scheme, while references between objects use OIDs. This creates a stable object graph where existing references remain valid, enabling historical queries, auditing, and time-travel access to past states. Schemas may support delta columns to store only changed fields, and foreign keys implement relationships between objects.

Common use cases include object-relational databases, event-sourcing architectures, long-term archival systems, and environments requiring strong traceability. Benefits include stable identity, improved auditability, and the ability to reconstruct past object graphs without full deserialization. Drawbacks include storage overhead, added complexity for querying across versions, and performance considerations during version reconciliation.

See also: object database, object-relational mapping, event sourcing, versioning, audit trail.