Dynamic object persistence

A method for specifying a persistence framework for objects, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) defining a meta-level object;
• (b) defining a persistance strategy for said object;
• (c) defining one or more attributes for said object;
• and
• (d) defining a persistence strategy for one or more of said attributes.

An object persistence framework comprising:

• an object definition;
• an object persistence definition therefor;
• one or more attributes for each object;
• and
• a persistence strategy definition for one or more of said attributes.

A client-server computing system, comprising:

• (a) a plurality of client computers each having processor means implementing an application layer, and a memory storing a set of meta-level objects, a persistence strategy definition for each said object, one or more attributes for each said object, and a persistence strategy for one or more of said attributes;
• (b) a plurality of server computers, each having processor means implementing an application layer, and a memory storing a set of meta-level objects, a persistence strategy definition for each said object, one or more attributes for each said object, and a persistence strategy for one or more of said attributes;
• (c) a database being accessible by said server computers;
• and
• (d) a communications link interconnecting said client machines with said server machines;
• and
• wherein, in response to a persistence command, one or either said client computers and/or server computers instantiates an object from amongst said set that carries with it its persistence strategy and its attributes with their respective persistence strategies, to be persisted in said database.