This paper is in two parts. In this part, some of the concepts and considerations in the design of a data base management system are set forth, together with justifications for some of the decisions made. In Part II, a particular system is described, essentially in the form of a tutorial users manual. Some further justifications are given there as well as a couple of more discussions of a conceptual nature. Although the two parts are intended to form a set, they can each stand largely alone. A few definitions given in Part I are used in Part II without restatement
