The LINCKS system is a prototype multi-user database system which has been developed as a base for research in advanced information systems and for applications which require both artificial intelligence techniques and database aspects. LINCKS can be seen as an object-centred database management system for applications which require more flexible data representations than are manageable in traditional relational databases.
The database is made up of small semi-structured information component. One part of each information component consists of attributes and their values. This is structured information (reminiscent of a frame-like representation) which can easily be used by software programs for various kinds of decision making and support. The second part of each information component is unstructured information which is expected to be meaningful to the user, but which we do not expect computer software to analyse - e.g. free text, bitmaps, audio information, etc. We call this the image. The third part of each information component is the links. These are used to connect information component together, either to form composite objects, or simply to establish a connection or relation. Figure 1.1 shows such a information component.
: Parts of an `information component'
LINCKS supports much of the functionality which also exists in other systems, such as an object-centred model, hypertext linking and browsing, and flexible views. The two things which LINCKS gives support for beyond that found in other systems are support for composite shared objects and support for maintenance of more extensive history information than is usual.