Data Access Objects (DAOs) are a design technique that standardizes data access for software programs, ensuring all database accesses are done similarly. DAOs are not unique to a specific programming language and can save valuable development hours. Many software frameworks have implemented DAOs, simplifying testing and deployment.
In computer programming, data access objects (DAOs) are a design technique that creates a module level to manage all data access for a software program. This level is responsible for reading and writing data to a database or external file system. In software design, there are many ways to read and write data to a database. This can lead to sloppy software code because developers can use multiple methods to perform the same data access task. One of the main benefits of using DAO is the ability to standardize the way data is accessed for a software program. The DAO design ensures that all database accesses will be done similarly which makes the software better.
Data access objects were first introduced academically in the object programming model. This approach to architecture requires that software be built into specific modules with a specific purpose. The DAO is a software module which is responsible for retrieving and modifying all data from any data storage device.
The technique of using DAO is not unique to a specific programming language. Microsoft MS Access pioneered this approach, but it is currently available in most modern programming languages. It is considered a good practice to centralize data access because it makes the software application flexible. This technique can save valuable development hours because it creates a reusable module for the database.
A practical example of data access objects is the page-by-page view of results often found in a web browser. When the first page of results is displayed after a search, the screen usually allows the user to select the next page of data. This uses the DAO model, which allows the user to move back and forth through a set of data.
Many software frameworks have implemented data access objects within software tools. Some examples include hibernate, spring, and java data objects (JDO). These frameworks are useful for software developers because they have encapsulated the DAO pattern within the framework, making it hidden from the developer.
Using data access objects can also save time with testing and deploying software code. The single coding module is responsible for data access for the entire application. This simplifies testing because one module can validate multiple software data points.
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