Abstract: A method in a symmetric multi-processor computer system for increasing database transaction log performance by pipelining transaction log buffers. The method includes the steps of inserting a log record into a log buffer stored in a volatile memory of the computer system. Next, the log buffer is queued for eventual delivery to a persistent storage device. Then the log buffer is dequeued from the queue set in the previous step. Following this, a transfer of the contents of the log buffer to the persistent storage device is initiated. A wait is imposed on the process for the completion of the transfer of the contents of the log buffer to the persistent storage device in order to guarantee that the contents are safely stored in the persistent storage device in the original serial order as received.

Abstract: A method in a symmetric multi-processor computer system for increasing database transaction log performance by reducing semaphore contention while waiting to transfer the contents of log buffers stored in a volatile memory of the system to a persistent storage device. The method includes the steps of clearing a switch and resetting an event indicating that no process tasks are waiting completion of a transfer of information in one of the log buffers to the persistent storage. Next, an atomic test-and-set of the switch is performed to determine if this process task is the first task to attempt the waiting completion. Following this, if it is the first task, then it assumes responsibility for guaranteeing that the contents in the log buffer are in persistent storage and causes the event. However, if it is not the first task, a wait is imposed on the process until the event has been caused. This will allow all of the "Not First" tasks that may be waiting to continue their operation.