Data model of Kappa

Relational databases are the mainstream of database at present. First normal form(1NF) is the basic representation of relational databases. Since each data must be atomic in 1NF, a database is a set of flat tables in this case. This is why 1NF becomes a restraint when we try to store nonatomic structural data.

Nested relation allows storing structural data without the restraint of 1NF. Kappa includes 1NF as a special case of nested relation.

One of the most promising application of Kappa was genetic information processing. However, in fact, relational databases have been used in the field.

For more detailed explanations of data models, please see Kappa Programer's Guide.