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（ 2009 届毕业设计） 外文翻译原文及译文 学 院（部）： 计算机与通信学院 专 业： 计算机科学与技术 学 生 姓 名： 班 级： 指导教师姓名： 职称 副教授 2009年 4 月 The Semantic Web: An Overview Data Independence An important point about database systems is that the database should exist independently of any of the specific applications. Traditional data processing applications are data dependent. COBOL programs contain file descriptions and record descriptions that carefully describe the format and characteristics of the data. Users should be able to change the structure of the database without affecting the applications that use it. For example, suppose that the requirements of your applications change. A simple example would be expanding ZIP codes from five digits to nine digits. On a traditional approach using COBOL programs each individual COBOL application program that used that particular field would have to be changed, recompiled, and retested. The programs would be unable to recognize or access a file that had been changed and contained a new data description; this, in turn, might cause disruption in processing unless the change were carefully planned. Most database programs provide the ability to change the database structure by simply changing the ZIP code field and the data-entry form. In this case, data independence allows for minimal disruption of current and existing applications. Users can continue to work and can even ignore the nine-digit code if they choose. Eventually, the file will be converted to the new nine-digit ZIP code, but the ease with which the changeover takes place emphasizes the importance of data independence. Data Integrity Data integrity refers to the a