Schema Evolution Handling in Semi-Structured Databases Using Graph-Based Transformation Rules

Authors

  • Diego Fernandez Data Infrastructure Engineer, Argentina Author
  • Chloe Martin Data Warehouse Engineer, France Author

Keywords:

schema evolution, semi-structured data, graph-based models, transformation rules, NoSQL, data modeling, versioning, data consistency, schema migration, graph databases

Abstract

Schema evolution in semi-structured databases has become increasingly complex due to the growing diversity and dynamism of data models, particularly in NoSQL and graph-based systems. Traditional static schema approaches fail to capture the flexible nature of evolving data. This paper presents a graph-based transformation rule framework designed to manage schema evolution in semi-structured databases. It outlines the systematic modeling, mapping, and synchronization of schema elements using transformation rules embedded in graph semantics. The approach enhances flexibility, ensures data consistency, and facilitates automated evolution tracking across distributed systems.

References

Roddick, J.F.: A survey of schema versioning issues for database systems. Information and Software Technology, 37(7), 383–393 (1995)

Rahm, E., Bernstein, P.A.: A survey of approaches to automatic schema matching. VLDB Journal, 10(4), 334–350 (2001)

Bézivin, J., Jouault, F., Valduriez, P.: First experiments with the ATL model transformation language: Transforming XSLT into XQuery. In: Proc. of the 2nd OOPSLA Workshop on Generative Techniques in the Context of Model Driven Architecture (2004)

Herrmannsdoerfer, M., Vermolen, S.C., Wachsmuth, G.: COPE – automating coupled evolution of metamodels and models. In: European Conference on Object-Oriented Programming, 52–76 (2009)

Wimmer, M., Kappel, G.: Model transformation in practice. In: Proceedings of the ICMT, LNCS 6707, 4–19 (2011)

Papazoglou, M.P., van den Heuvel, W.J.: Service oriented architectures: approaches, technologies and research issues. VLDB Journal, 16(3), 389–415 (2007)

Klettke, M., Scherzinger, S., Heuer, A.: Schema extraction and structural outlier detection for JSON-based NoSQL data stores. In: BTW Conference (2015)

Hartmann, S., Link, S., Yuan, H.: Managing Schema Evolution in NoSQL Data Stores. In: International Conference on Conceptual Modeling, 327–341 (2017)

Cabot, J., Gómez, C., Clarisó, R.: Building flexible model-to-model transformations with RubyTL. Software and Systems Modeling, 10(3), 325–345 (2011)

Steinberg, D., Budinsky, F., Merks, E., Paternostro, M.: EMF: Eclipse Modeling Framework. Addison-Wesley Professional (2008)

Jouault, F., Allilaire, F., Bézivin, J., Kurtev, I.: ATL: A model transformation tool. Science of Computer Programming, 72(1–2), 31–39 (2008)

Cuesta, C.E., Molina, J., Benavides, D., Trinidad, P., Ruiz-Cortés, A.: Emfatic and text-based modeling. In: European Conference on Model Driven Architecture Foundations and Applications, 249–260 (2008)

Mens, T., Van Gorp, P.: A taxonomy of model transformation. Electronic Notes in Theoretical Computer Science, 152, 125–142 (2006)

Atkinson, C., Kühne, T.: Model-driven development: A metamodeling foundation. IEEE Software, 20(5), 36–41 (2003)

Czarnecki, K., Helsen, S.: Classification of model transformation approaches. In: OOPSLA Workshop on Generative Techniques (2003)

Frankel, D.S.: Model Driven Architecture: Applying MDA to Enterprise Computing. Wiley Publishing (2003)

Downloads

Published

2026-01-07