Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for optimizing a range-based query on a table in a database system.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for optimizing a range-based query on a table in a database system.

Abstract: System and methods are described for improved indexing and processing (e.g., query processing) of date-based information. A date value may be viewed as comprising year (y), month (m), and day (d) components. A DateIndex index data structure is defined to comprise three distinct groups of bitmaps: one for years, another for months, and another for days, respectively. This index can be created on a column having a datatype of “date” (e.g., standard SQL datatype which stores date literals). A month group is defined to contain exactly 12 bitmaps (call them M[1], M[2], . . . , M[12]) to track rows meeting at a specified month range for a particular column. Each successive bitmap within the group stores a successively smaller subrange of possible month values (e.g., month 1-12, month 2-12, month 3-12, and so forth and so on). In a similar manner, bitmaps may be created for tracking day and year ranges.

Abstract: System and methods are described for improved sorting of information records. The system provides radix sorting on native data types--that is, without the resource-expensive approach of converting data types into character representations. A correct interpretation of a group of bits under examination is provided by the system at the point of examination by a radixsort engine. "Sort plan" information is provided to the radixsort engine instructing it how a particular set of bits should be interpreted for purposes of comparison. The knowledge includes a "comparison type" for a set of bits under exam. This is employed by the engine to determine an appropriate "weighting" of each group of bits--how each group should be treated at the point of comparison. The engine itself operates generically: it simply operates on the set of bits as specified by the sort plan entries, regardless of the particular data types which comprise the bits or the one or more keys from which the bits are derived.