Developing distributed database applications using TSL

Abstract

Data Base Management Systems (DBMS) were the catalyst for the myriad of database applications that exist today. The advantages gained through their introduction can clearly not be overstated. Further the use of database languages such as SQL allow for simple and efficient interaction with such systems. However, when embedded into dedicated application code the development costs involved, for many small scale applications, often outweigh the benefits that can be gained through the use of DBMSs. In this paper we present the Task Scripting Language (TSL). This is a high level rule based language in which database users can, simply and efficiently, define database application packages incorporating embedded SQL code. The definitions can then be compiled into an executable form referred to as a TSL agent. This innovative approach to database application development has significant advantages over the traditional, less cost effective, approach. When integrated with a suitably defined e-mail system the power of TSL is notably increased. One such system, the Aide de Camp communications management system (also described), has been specially developed to interact with TSL. In particular Aide de Camp provides a mechanism where by messages to and from TSL agents can be automatically filtered and processed using another rule based language, CFL (Cooperative mail Filtering Language), so that distributed database applications can be defined.