A Relational-Database Machine Based on Functional Programming Concepts

We present a novel approach to a relational database machine for processing knowledge bases. This approach is based on functional programming concepts in order to manage processor resources and memory resources with the theoretical neatness of functional computation. By using demand-driven evaluation as a driving method of functional. computation, parallelism can be exploited in executing relational operations (relational database operations) and inference operationsbased on unification. Furthermore, these operations can be executed avoiding the complexity of resource management within a restricted resource environment. This approach is implemented under a multiprocessor architecture combined with a demanddriven evaluation mechanism. In this paper, we define the basic primitives which are used to implement demand-driven evaluation and function application. We also present a basic algorithm and a system architecture for executing basic operations for knowledge bases by using a demand-driven evaluation mechanism. To ascertain feasibility of our approach, a relational operation system has been implemented on the basis of the approach.