Towards Database Optimization by Evolution

In this paper we focus on optimization of database schema transformation, by evolutionary (or genetic) search. A framework for transforming conceptual data schemata into efficient internal schemata is presented. We consider this problem from the viewpoint of searching through the space of all correct, but possibly incomplete internal representations of the conceptual schema at hand. A search strategy is established, based on the use of evolutionary operators. The relevant evolutionary operators are introduced. 1 Introduction During the development of an information system, the process of database design is usually preceded by the process of information analysis. The result of information analysis is a conceptual schema, specifying what kind of data must be stored. Then, the process of database design is initiated with this conceptual schema. It results in an internal schema, specifying in what way the data is represented on a computer (see also [11]). For a given conceptual schema, th..