Abstract: A system for mapping data between a selected object and a persistent medium in an object-oriented computer system is disclosed, wherein the data is manipulated by processing methods associated with the object. The system selects a target to which the data is to be mapped and converts the data invoking to an environment type in which the data is to be mapped. The system further constructs a mapping method associated with the mapping request for mapping between the selected object and the persistent medium, where the method group consists of "store new", "store existing", "restore", and "delete". Further, a method is also disclosed for mapping a data structure between an object, which is in a class object, and a persistent medium in an object-oriented environment. The method includes receiving a request to map the data structure between the object and the persistent medium at the object. The request is sent from the identification object to the class object.

Abstract: A method in a data processing system for optimizing access to a Datastore in an object-oriented environment. The data processing system includes an object and an identification object, wherein the identification object is an instance of a class object. The method includes receiving a request to open the Datastore at the identification object. The request is sent from the identification object its class object in response to receiving the request. Then whether the Datastore is open is determined in response to receiving the request at the class object. The Datastore is opened in response to the Datastore being closed and a message is sent to the identification object indicating that the Datastore has been opened. If the Datastore is already open, a message to the identification object indicating that the Datastore has been opened, wherein access to the Datastore is optimized.

Abstract: A system of modifiable group skeletal formatting of persistent objects. The object oriented framework provides abstract classes for persistent object grouping and storage. Abstract classes define the interfaces and allow implementation details to be deferred until runtime. The implementor creates subclasses overriding the abstract methods and implementing specific group skeletal formats. Multiple formats can be defined and object instance variables set to indicate which formatter to use. The defined interfaces and methods allows interchangeable substitution of group formatters.