A system architecture for compile-time actions in databases

A case is made for the use of compile-time actions to reduce the overhead incurred when comprehensive authorization and integrity features are incorporated in a shared database system. A model of authorization and integrity evaluation is discussed as well as the performance, sensitivity and system security aspects of early binding for database access and control. A problem incurred with this early binding is the sensitivity of the compiled programs to changes in the physical structure of the database or changes in the authorization rules or integrity constraints. Also, more security problems exist because of the need to protect the results of compile-time checking. A system architecture is proposed to decrease sensitivity and to improve security. The degree of improvement and some performance/sensitivity tradeoffs are analyzed.