[topicmapmail] Topic Maps in a DBMS

[Dan Corwin]

  > ** Dan Corwin

  >>How does one set up a relational data base schema that comfortably
  >>handles the topic map paradigm?  Is there a standard approach?

  > ** Anthony B. Coates:

  > I'm not aware of any standard relational schemas, or related
  > approaches.

Nonetheless, several intelligent suggestions from you and others
all seemed similar and sound.  Thanks to all who responded.

> To my mind, the most interesting/difficult question is how to handle merging. 
> Without merging, modelling topic maps in a relational database would be a
> straightforward and static activity.  So the interesting question, for me at
> least, is whether there is an efficient way to merge using SQL in a relational
> database.  You could then extend that question to whether the RM or SAM
> produces the best relational model for merging.  Although I would expect it to
> be the RM, I've never been in a position to validate this, so my expectation
> could be quite wrong.  When I have some time, I might try and come back to this
> problem.

The merging question and test are indeed most interesting.  I hope 
someone attacks them soon; answers could justify a schema standard.

Kind regards,
Dan Corwin