Multiple dimensioned database architecture
A database management system stores data form a plurality of logical tables as independent copies in different format. In one specific example the system organizes tables into table groups and de-normalizes the table in each table group. It also organizes data in a second format including vertical column containers that store all the data for one attribute, there being one column container for each table and each attribute within that table. The receipt of a query causes the system to develop a query plan that can interact with either or both of the container sets.
1 - 22 . (canceled)
23 . A computer program product stored in a non-transitory computer readable medium, the computer program product comprising tangible machine-readable program instructions executable by a processor to perform a method of managing data, the method comprising:
storing, as a table group, a copy of the data in a memory unit according to a first physical layout that includes, as a composite entity, all the data from at least one row of a root table together with all related rows of data from the one or more other tables related thereto such that rows from multiple distinct tables of the table group are stored in the memory unit as the composite entity, the data from at least one row of a root table together with all related rows of data from the one or more other tables related thereto being stored in contiguous storage locations of the memory unit; and
responsive to a query, sequentially accessing and providing, as the composite entity, all the data in a row of the root table together with all related data from the one or more other tables related thereto;
the sequential accessing and providing step taking place in response to the query without individual random accesses to the root table and the one or more other tables or any associated join operation each time a relationship embodied by the table group is accessed.