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Why Select Lava Distributed SQL?
Unique Attributes
The Lava Distributed SQL database has a number of really unique attributes. Aside from being possibly the only true distributed client database available, there are a number of other facitities and characteristics which set the Lava system apart from other databases.
Small kernel executable
The kernel of the Lava system is smaller than any of its competitors. With a total image size of approximately 16 Mbyte, the database kernel not only occupies virtually no space but installs in a few seconds. This renders installation and operation of the database possible on even low-powered laptops.
Exclusive-mount ability
Due to the distributed architecture of the database and the small image size, it is possible to configure an application to mount directly to the main database, in exclusive mount. This means that small applications requiring database facilities can be integrated with the database kernel, allowing the full capability of the Lava database to be used for a single-user task. Ease of installation and no need for a data server make deployment of the application very simple.
If the application needs to be expanded to multiple users, it is simply a matter of re-configuring the mount parameters. This will allow distributed operation with a central data server simply by starting in a different mode. No code changes whatsoever are required.
Array access to data tables
The design of the table structure in the Lava database provides for access to data tables through a pointer-based array. Where large amounts of data need to be processed either sequentially or randomly at high speed, this mode of access allows very easy programming with minimum inconvenience, and the access rates are completely phenomenal.
Integrated Data Dictionary System
The database includes as part of its method of operation a comprehensive data dictionary and entity-relationship designer. These facilities allow an engineering approach to be taken to all database manipulation, resulting in a more consistent database and one which is always synchronized with the design.
The LavaStream programming language
Fully integrated with the database and designed to operate as part of the database system, LavaStream is an interpreted language with syntax designed for database access. For example - as illustrated above - row access to table data is coded exactly as for accessing an array, the language takes care of the rest. Multiple features allow not only easy and fast access to data but also very powerful manipulation of data and interface to the operating system.
Best of all, LavaStream is automatically distributed. The byte-code for the language is stored within the database, and once compiled is automatically distributed to all clients. This means that deployment of new programs is completely automatic - once you have compiled the code, any user can run it from anywhere within seconds of compilation.