Abstract: A method of archiving a set of source tables in a database system. Each source table has a plurality of rows. Initially, a consistency point for the set of source tables is established. The database system creates a log record for each change (insert, modify, or delete) effected to a row of the source tables subsequent to the consistency point. Substantially all source table rows are copied to an archive (a data storage object that is external to the database system). Then the accumulated log records for the affected source tables are distilled and appended to the archive.

Abstract: Various embodiments may include taking an initial dump of a database table and tracking changes to the database table, with regard to but outside of transactions, since a most recent full or partial dump has been taken. A partial dump, in such embodiments, may be taken since the most recent full or partial dump and used to create a data structure which may be used to update only those database table rows modified since a last full or partial dump. As a result, the dumps of a database table will include a single full dump and may include one or more partial dumps. These full and partial dumps may then be instantiated to create or update an instance of the database table. In some embodiments, dumps may be taken directly to a mirrored instance of a database table.

Abstract: Various embodiments may include taking an initial dump of a database table and tracking changes to the database table, with regard to but outside of transactions, since a most recent full or partial dump has been taken. A partial dump, in such embodiments, may be taken since the most recent full or partial dump and used to create a data structure which may be used to update only those database table rows modified since a last full or partial dump. As a result, the dumps of a database table will include a single full dump and may include one or more partial dumps. These full and partial dumps may then be instantiated to create or update an instance of the database table. In some embodiments, dumps may be taken directly to a mirrored instance of a database table.

Abstract: A method of archiving a set of source tables in a database system. Each source table has a plurality of rows. Initially, a consistency point for the set of source tables is established. The database system creates a log record for each change (insert, modify, or delete) effected to a row of the source tables subsequent to the consistency point. Substantially all source table rows are copied to an archive (a data storage object that is external to the database system). Then the accumulated log records for the affected source tables are distilled and appended to the archive.

Abstract: A method, computer program, database system and data structure for coding a compressible variable length field in a row to be added to a database table are disclosed. The row has a value to be stored in the compressible variable length field. The value is searched for in a list of values for the compressible variable length field stored in the table. IF the value is found in the list of values, the row is created in the table with a first code associated with the value, a second code associated with a location in the row, but without the compressible variable length field. Otherwise, the row is created in the table with the value stored in the compressible variable length field, a first code indicating that the value is stored in the row, and a second code associated with the location of the value in the row.