Oracle Corporation
AUTOMATED INFORMATION LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT OF INDEXES

Abstract:

Techniques are provided for a DBMS automating ILM on indexes, based on index composition, to efficiently reduce index storage footprints. According to an embodiment, a user sets an index-specific ILM (ISILM) policy, which comprises one or both of an index-test requirement and a time requirement. Based on the ISILM policy being met, or on some other way of initiating analysis, the DBMS automatically analyzes the data blocks storing the index to determine an index condition metric (e.g., percentage of free space). This analysis is performed on a sample of data blocks storing the index without blocking the index from other operations during the analysis. The condition metric for the entire index is estimated based on analysis of the sample data blocks. Using the determined condition metric for an index, the DBMS automatically selects an option for optimally managing the index (e.g., coalesce, shrink space, index rebuild, no action, etc.).