A Data Definition and Mapping Language A data definition language i sa declarative computer language for specifying data structures. Most data definition languages concentrate on the declaration of logical data structures with little concern for how these structures are physically realized on a computer system. However, the need for data definition languages which describe both the logical and physical aspects of data is increasingly apparent. Such languages will be a key systems, as well as in advanced data management systems and distributed data bases. This paper reviews past work in the data definition language for describing both logical and physical aspects of data. Applications of these "generalized" data definition languages are also discussed. CACM December, 1973 Sibley, E. H. Taylor, R. W. data definition language, data and storage structure, data translation, data base management systems, file translation 3.51 3.70 3.73 4.29 4.82 CA731202 JB January 19, 1978 2:58 PM 2155 4 2406 2406 4 2406 2710 4 2406 2715 4 2406 2716 4 2406 2717 4 2406 2718 4 2406 2765 4 2406 2817 4 2406 2888 4 2406 2901 4 2406 2957 4 2406 2959 4 2406 2965 4 2406 3087 4 2406 3154 4 2406 2046 5 2406 2406 5 2406 2406 5 2406 2406 5 2406 2717 5 2406 2046 6 2406 2406 6 2406