The design and implementation of a back-end database machine

This thesis presents a design and an implementation of a flexible, yet simple, system that serves as a DBMS research laboratory. The back-end database machine structure is based on: (1) defining the basic building blocks of a database system, (2) creating levels of abstraction through the use of the building blocks, and (3) establishing a common interface between levels. The main aspect of the design is that all system activities are divided into a hierarchical structure resulting in layers of abstraction which enables researchers to understand and modify any part of the system with relative ease. The highly modular structure also provides the necessary "hooks" in order to be able to add more complex capabilities at a later stage.