ADABAS

Enhanced Definition

A high-performance, inverted-list database management system from Software AG, designed for high-volume transaction processing and optimized for the Natural programming language. ADABAS stands for Adaptable Database System.

Key Characteristics

- Non-relational, network-style database architecture
- Inverted list structure for rapid data access
- No SQL required - uses proprietary command language
- Exceptional performance for high-volume OLTP
- Strong integration with Natural and other 4GLs
Database Structure:
- Files: Similar to tables, contain records of the same type
- Fields: Individual data elements within records
- Descriptors: Indexed fields enabling fast search and retrieval
- Super-descriptors: Concatenated fields treated as single search keys
- Sub-descriptors: Portions of fields used for indexing
- Periodic Groups: Repeating field groups within records
- Direct read operations bypass buffer pools for maximum speed
- Hyperdescriptors for derived field indexing
- Multi-fetch operations for reduced I/O overhead
- Automatic space reuse and compaction
- Built-in data compression

Use Cases

- High-volume transaction processing systems
- Customer information systems in telecommunications
- Banking and financial services applications
- Insurance policy and claims management
- Government citizen databases and services