Abstract: A method and mechanism is disclosed for implementing transaction logging in a database system. In-memory undo records are maintained to log undo information for the database system. Redo records are batch processed, with multiple redo records for a transaction stored on disk at commit time.

Abstract: A method and mechanism is disclosed for implementing transaction logging in a database system. In-memory undo records are maintained to log undo information for the database system. Redo records are batch processed, with multiple redo records for a transaction stored on disk at commit time.

Abstract: Techniques for managing, within a computer system, a resource that is reusable by a plurality of entities include establishing a minimum period of time for retaining an amount of the resource after completion of use of the resource by an entity. A first amount of the resource is allocated to a first entity. After allocating the first amount to the first entity, the first amount is prevented from being allocated to a second entity before the minimum period of time expires after the first entity completes use of the first resource. These techniques allow resources to be recycled and allocated for new uses by other entities in a computer system, but also guarantee the resources are retained in a given state for consistent use by other entities, even after the entity terminates that first had the resource allocated.

Abstract: A method and system for accessing a large object (LOB) that belongs to a cell in a table are provided. An index is built on a column in which the cell resides. The index has a key that includes a LOB identifier. A database server receives from a client a request to access the LOB. The server uses a LOB identifier value for the LOB to traverse the index to locate an index entry for the LOB. The server then follows address information contained in the index entry to a storage containing at least a portion of the LOB and accesses the portion of the LOB as specified in the request. A method and system for tracking storage for data items are also disclosed. Within an index that is built to access the data items are stored both index entries for locating blocks that store current versions of the data items, and index entries for locating blocks that store non-current versions of the data items.

Abstract: A method and system for tracking storage for data items is provided. First, an index is built to access the data items. Then a first plurality of index entries for locating a first set of blocks are stored in the index, wherein blocks within the first set of blocks are blocks that store current first versions of the data items. Finally, a second plurality of index entries for locating a second set of blocks are stored in the index, wherein blocks within the second set of blocks are blocks that store non-current second versions of the data items.

Abstract: A method and system for accessing a large object (LOB) that belongs to a cell in a table are provided. An index is built on a column in which the cell resides. The index has a key that includes a LOB identifier. A database server receives from a client a request to access the LOB. The server uses a LOB identifier value for the LOB to traverse the index to locate an index entry for the LOB. The server then follows address information contained in the index entry to a storage containing at least a portion of the LOB and accesses the portion of the LOB as specified in the request. A method and system for tracking storage for data items are also disclosed. Within an index that is built to access the data items are stored both index entries for locating blocks that store current versions of the data items, and index entries for locating blocks that store non-current versions of the data items.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for parallelizing operations that change a database is provided. A coordinator process receives a statement that requires data to be written into the database. In response to the statement, the coordinator process assigns granules of work to multiple processes. Each of the multiple processes executes the granule of work by writing to the database a distinct portion of the set of data that is to be added to the database. The various portions of data are then merged to update the set of data to be added to the database.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for parallelizing operations that change a database is provided. A coordinator process receives a statement that requires data to be written into the database. In response to the statement, the coordinator process assigns granules of work to multiple processes. Each of the multiple processes executes the granule of work by writing to the database a distinct portion of the set of data that is to be added to the database. The various portions of data are then merged to create the set of data to be added to the database.

Abstract: An integrated circuit is disclosed having a thermal shutdown capability. A single chip bonding pad is coupled to a circuit that will operate the bonding pad at a low potential for normal conditions and will pull it high when a temperature threshold is crossed. Thus, the normally low bonding pad provides a temperature flag. The bonding pad is also coupled to a latch that will hold it high and to a lockout circuit that acts to disable the heat producing chip circuitry. Therefore, when the bonding pad is once driven high the circuits are locked out and will remain out until a start up command is present. This is achieved by either momentarily removing the power supply or by pulling the bonding pad low. Both manual and computer control of the circuit is disclosed.