OODB

Object-oriented databases are an important evolution for database management systems because can handle data that needs to be managed for a large variety of applications. Object-oriented databases, commonly referred to as OODB, have been developed to meet the need for a database that is more flexible and can handle the need for custom operations. 

One of the most useful aspects of this type of database is that it is not limited by the types of data and language typical of traditional databases. It provides flexibility in that both an object and all of its possible functions and methods can be specified. Because of this flexibility, different data types can be used within this type of database to serve the needs of the industries such as design systems like CAD, scientific, medical, and multimedia databases, and geographic information systems. These data types allow the development of programs that consist of independent objects as opposed to basic information. Independent objects can contain functions and methods that specify what that object can do.

A lot of the research I did for this post was difficult to understand because I have no experience with computer programming and my knowledge of that field and common language used is slim to none. One thing I was able to understand was how relevant object-oriented databases are to our field of architectural engineering design, especially in terms of developing models using BIM. Revit is based on an object-oriented database. Each object you use or place into a model is part of a class and has its own parameters and functions. The objects also communicate with other objects within the model. Without object-oriented databases, we would not have the BIM software available to us today.

Because this type of database is very specialized, it is not relevant for all fields and is not as commonly used as the traditional database; however, the opportunities available for industries looking for a more flexible and customizable database management system find OODBs to work exceptionally well. Due to the increased use of object-oriented databases, standards and specifications have been developed for using this type of programming.