What is an LTPDA Repository


Introduction

An LTPDA repository has at its core a MySQL server. A single MySQL server can host multiple LTPDA repositories. A single repository comprises a particular set of database tables.

Since the core engine is a MySQL database, in principle any MySQL client can be used to interface with the repository. In order to submit and retrieve objects in the proper way (entering all expected meta-data), it is strongly suggested that you use the LTPDA Toolbox client commands ltpda_obj_submit and ltpda_obj_retrieve or the MATLAB LTPDA repository GUI (repogui).

Any standard MySQL client can be used to query and search an LTPDA repository. For example, using a web-client or the standard MySQL command-line interface. In addition, the LTPDA Toolbox provides two ways to search the database: using the command ltpda_dbquery or using the LTPDA repository GUI. It is also possible to use the Visual Query Builder provided with the MATLAB Database Toolbox for interacting with a repository.

Database primer

A MySQL database comprises a collection of tables. Each table has a number of fields. Each field describes the type of data stored in that field (numerical, string, date, etc). When an entry is made in a table a new row is created. Interaction with MySQL databases is done using Standard Query Language (SQL) statements. For examples see MySQL Common Queries.

Database design

The database for a single repository uses the tables as shown below:

DB Tables

As you can see, each object that is submitted to a repository receives a unique ID number. This ID number is used to link together the various pieces of meta-data that are collected about each object. In addition, each object that is submitted is check-summed using the MD5 algorithm. That way, the integrity of each object can be checked upon retrieval.

In order to access a particular repository you need:




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