Simple Object Database Access


Simple Object Database Access (S.O.D.A.) is an open-source application programming interface (API) designed to streamline interactions between object-oriented programming languages and databases. It enables developers to construct queries using object-oriented principles, simplifying database operations in software development.

S.O.D.A.
Initial release16 April 2002 (2002-04-16)
Stable release
v0.95.5 / 17 July 2009; 15 years ago (2009-07-17)
Written inC# and Java
Operating systemLinux, macOS and Microsoft Windows
PlatformJava platform and .NET Framework
Size340 KB
Available inEnglish
TypeDatabase query API
LicenseGNU Library or Lesser General Public License (LGPL)
Websitesodaquery.sourceforge.net

History

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S.O.D.A. was introduced in the early 2000s to address the need for a standardized API for interacting with object-oriented databases. Its lightweight design and focus on simplicity made it a popular choice for developers working in environments where efficiency and minimal configuration were key.[1]

The API was implemented in Java and C#, ensuring compatibility with both the Java platform and the .NET Framework. This dual compatibility allowed developers from both ecosystems to adopt it for their projects. Its cross-platform support for Linux, macOS, and Windows broadened its usability significantly.[2]

S.O.D.A. is distributed under the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL), which enables developers to use, modify, and redistribute the software freely. This licensing has encouraged open-source collaboration and continued improvements to the API.[2] The project's resources, including source code and documentation, have been hosted on platforms such as SourceForge to ensure accessibility and foster community involvement.[1]

Features

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S.O.D.A. provides a range of features that make it suitable for various development scenarios, including:

Object

  • Oriented Query Language: Developers can construct database queries using object-oriented syntax, allowing seamless integration with modern programming paradigms.[3]
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: The API is supported on major operating systems, including Linux, macOS, and Windows, offering flexibility for deployment.[2]
  • Multi-Language Support: With implementations in Java and C#, S.O.D.A. is ideal for developers working in either ecosystem.[1]
  • Lightweight Design: S.O.D.A. has a small memory footprint (approximately 340 KB), making it suitable for resource-constrained environments like embedded systems.[1]
  • Open-Source Collaboration: Released under the LGPL, S.O.D.A. promotes a culture of openness and allows developers to customize the API to meet specific project needs.[2]

Use Cases

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S.O.D.A. is widely used in projects that require straightforward interaction with object-oriented databases. Example use cases include:

Embedded systems that prioritize efficiency and minimal overhead. Cross-platform desktop applications that interact with object databases. Educational tools and frameworks designed to teach object-oriented programming and database integration.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d S.O.D.A. Developer Documentation, SourceForge
  2. ^ a b c d GNU Lesser General Public License
  3. ^ a b Jeffrey Ullman, Principles of Database Systems, 2008