Abstract: When recovering data in a database, initially, a database log, which records activities related to a database, is scanned. One or more individual objects that are to be recovered to a target time with reference to a backup time are identified.

Abstract: According to the method, apparatus, and computer readable medium of the present invention, a scan is performed by accessing all rows of a table in a relational database, evaluating each row to determine whether the row satifies a set of predicates of a database query, and returning the row if it satisfies the set of predicates. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, all rows are evaluated regardless of current locks. The scan is continued if the row does not satisfy the set of predicates regardless of the current lock on the row. The locking semantics according to the invention has the advantage that it completely removes the problem of lock contention on the rows that do not satisfy statement predicates.

Abstract: The present system indexes a plurality of entries in a database that contains a database table having a base index. As a recent row is inserted in the database table, an index increment is generated based on the inserted row. Preferably, the index increment is smaller in size than the base index because it is recently generated. The smaller size of the index increment facilitates the management of the index increment. An index entry associated with the inserted row is added to the index increment, and the index increment is merged with the base index.

Abstract: In a database management system (DBMS) (60) for a database application (10) including a database (12) having a table (14, 16, 18) and a unique key index (42) having indexes (44, 46, 48) therefor, the DBMS (60) includes a data manager (64), an index manager (66), a transaction manager (62), and a lock manager (68) which restricts access to the table by assigning locks to elements thereof. In order to avoid deadlock in the database application due to the pseudo-deleted entries, the lock categories include an X-lock and a Conditional S-lock, and have lock attributes including at least a Delete attribute for the X-lock. The Conditional S-lock is compatible (granted by the lock manager) with an X-lock whose Delete attribute is NOT SET, but is not compatible (granted) with an X-lock whose Delete attribute is SET. Each index entry includes a pseudo-delete flag which is SET by the index manager (66) to indicate deletion of the indexed row.

Abstract: According to the method for establishing a log point an information technology infrastructure is provided. Transactions are performed by at least two database units of the information technology infrastructure. Then, “suspending prepare to commit”-requests are sent from said coordinating device to said database units. The log writes of all database units are suspended and recorded, whereas these log points form a global log point. Finally the log writes of all database units and all the suspended transactions are resumed.

Abstract: A computer system and a corresponding method perform a query to retrieve data from a database. The computer system comprises a Data-Base Management System (DBMS) with an optimizer. A Query Execution Plan (QEP) is generated for the query. The QEP is assessed by considering statistical values about previous executions of the query according to the QEP to decide whether to choose the QEP or to generate a new QEP. Furthermore, the statistical values on previous executions of the query are exploited during query optimization. The query is executed according to the chosen QEP. For optimizing the execution of future queries, statistical values about the execution of the query are collected during execution.

Abstract: A method for performing a system level backup of a log-ahead database management system (DBMS) without suspending updates by application programs is described. The DBMS comprises a database mainline system, a backup utility and a restore utility. The data and log records are stored on separate storage volumes. Log records are written to identify objects that require special handling during the point-in-time recovery. The database engine operates normally during a backup except for suspending actions that would alter the file system catalog or write updates across a storage volume boundary; and by freezing the REDO log point in its checkpoint information. The backup utility copies the data volumes first and optionally the log volumes second while updates are allowed. The resulting inconsistencies are resolved either during a DBMS restart or during a point-in-time (PIT) recovery performed by the restore utility.

Abstract: A method and system for formatting space in a storage device for a database system is disclosed. The method and system include formatting a first increment for creating a database file and asynchronously formatting at least one subsequent increment for the database file in a background of the database system.

Abstract: According to the present invention a method and an system is provided for establishing synchronized recovery log points in an infrastructure comprising at least a first database management system and a second database management system, whereby recovery log files are written and log points are created separately for each database management system. Firstly, log write of all database management systems is suspended, then, the corresponding log points for each database management system forming a global log point are recorded and log writes of all database management systems are resumed.

Abstract: A defer dataset creation system creates database objects at a computer connected to a data storage device. Initially, a command to create a database object is received. A database object definition for that database object is recorded. When the database object is accessed, a dataset for the database object is created from its database object definition.

Abstract: The present invention proposes enhancing the access path selection process by storing the relevant frequency distribution and the host variables values used for selecting the access path together with the corresponding access path executable. This way, the host variables impact to the access path can be inexpensively assessed and the re-optimization triggered only if necessary.

Abstract: A computer program product is provided as a system and associated method that provide accurate statistics in real time. These statistics can be used to determine if a table space in a database management system requires maintenance operations such as reorganization, back up, fresh access path statistics, and/or larger disk space allocation. The database management system or DBMS maintains a set of values that provide indications of whether that operation is due on that object. The objects for which the indicators are maintained depend on the specific DBMS. Typically, these objects are tables, indexes, and table spaces. The database management system maintains the indicators in memory. Some of the indicators are cumulative and others are given in absolute values. The indicators are asynchronously externalized in dedicated database tables either periodically in user-specified intervals or at some predefined event such as stopping the database.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for processing a query in a database management system that generates an access plan to retrieve desired data from computer storage in response to the query. An identification is derived from at least a portion of a received query or representation thereof. The access plan is generated in consideration of a hint associated with the identification, if such a hint is available from a repository of hints.

Abstract: In a database management system (DBMS) (60) for a database application (10) including a database (12) having a table (14, 16, 18) and a unique key index (42) having indexes (44, 46, 48) therefor, the DBMS (60) includes a data manager (64), an index manager (66), a transaction manager (62), and a lock manager (68) which restricts access to the table by assigning locks to elements thereof. In order to avoid deadlock in the database application due to the pseudo-deleted entries, the lock categories include an X-lock and a Conditional S-lock, and have lock attributes including at least a Delete attribute for the X-lock. The Conditional S-lock is compatible (granted by the lock manager) with an X-lock whose Delete attribute is NOT SET, but is not compatible (granted) with an X-lock whose Delete attribute is SET. Each index entry includes a pseudo-delete flag which is SET by the index manager (66) to indicate deletion of the indexed row.

Abstract: A method and system for formatting space in a storage device for a database system is disclosed. The method and system include formatting a first increment for creating a database file and asynchronously formatting at least one subsequent increment for the database file in a background of the database system.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable medium containing programming instructions for reducing lock contention of concurrent transactions is disclosed. According to the method, apparatus, and computer readable medium of the present invention, a scan is performed by accessing all rows of a table in a relational database, evaluating each row to determine whether the row satifies a set of predicates of a database query, and returning the row if it satisfies the set of predicates. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, all rows are evaluated regardless of current locks. The scan is continued if the row does not satisfy the set of predicates. A lock is requested if the row satisfies the set of predicates, and the scan is suspended, if the requested lock is refused. The request is repeated and the row is re-evaluated when the lock is permitted. If thereafter the row still satisfies the set of predicates, the row is returned.