Can we extend relational algebra for enhanced database expressiveness and reduced size? This paper introduces an extended relational algebra that incorporates universally or existentially quantified classes as attribute values. The core idea is to enhance the ability of relational systems to express complex relationships and significantly reduce database size by representing sets of values within attributes. The proposed extension aims to increase the expressive power of relational databases while keeping computational costs low. By using quantified classes, the data model, named INCINERATE, efficiently handles complex data relationships and reduces data redundancy. The study demonstrates that these extensions can be implemented on top of standard relational database systems, offering a practical pathway for improving database performance and reducing storage requirements without major system overhauls. This makes it valuable for database administrators and developers seeking incremental improvements to existing systems.
Published in ACM Transactions on Database Systems, this paper is well-aligned with the journal’s emphasis on advancements in database models and their applications. By presenting an extended relational algebra with quantified classes, it offers a novel approach to enhancing database expressiveness and efficiency, which is relevant to the journal's audience of database researchers and practitioners.