We present a novel approach to implement a graph transformation engine based on standard
relational database management systems (RDBMSs). The essence of the approach is to
create database views for each rule and to handle pattern matching by inner join operations
while handling negative application conditions by left outer join operations. Furthermore,
the model manipulation prescribed by the application of a graph transformation rule
is also implemented using elementary data manipulation statements (such as insert,
delete). As a result, we obtain a robust and fast transformation engine especially
suitable for (1) extending modeling tools with an underlying RDBMS repository and
(2) embedding model transformations into large distributed applications where models
are frequently persisted in a relational database and transaction handling is required
to handle large models consistently. ? Springer-Verlag 2006.
