objektrelationales

Objektrelationales is a term used in information technology to describe technologies, patterns, and approaches that connect object-oriented programming with relational database systems. It encompasses both object-relational databases (ORDBs), which extend the relational model with object-oriented features, and object-relational mapping (ORM) approaches that translate in-memory objects into relational tables.

Historically, objektrelationales arose from the need to bridge the impedance mismatch between rich object models used in programming languages and the flat, tabular structure of relational databases. OODBMS solutions offered pure object databases, but relational databases remained dominant. Object-relational databases and ORM techniques emerged as pragmatic middle ground, enabling developers to model complex domain concepts while retaining the strengths of SQL for data storage, querying, and integrity.

Key concepts include object types and inheritance within a relational schema, user-defined types, and composite or structured columns that allow more complex data without abandoning SQL. ORDbs often support features such as table inheritance, polymorphic queries, and extended data types that resemble object-oriented constructs. ORM, on the other hand, focuses on mapping strategies between class hierarchies and table schemas, handling identity, lifecycle, and state management, and providing mechanisms like lazy loading and caching to optimize performance.

Usage of objektrelationales is common in applications that require complex domain models, rapid development, and persistence without an entirely new database paradigm. While ORM frameworks are widespread, the strongest object-relational features are typically found in mature relational databases that offer advanced user-defined types, arrays, and JSON support to bridge object-oriented and relational worlds.