Snowflake Inc.
JOURNALED TABLES IN DATABASE SYSTEMS

Abstract:

Systems, methods, and devices for storing database data in journal tables comprising a snapshot and a log table. A method includes defining a journal table comprising a snapshot and a log table, the snapshot comprising an up-to-date representation of data in the journal table at a point in time. The method includes assigning a timestamp to the snapshot indicating when the snapshot was generated. The method includes receiving a request to execute a transaction on the journal table to modify the data in the journal table, the transaction comprising one or more of an insert, a delete, an update, or a merge. The method includes inserting a new row into the log table in lieu of executing the transaction on the snapshot of the journal table, the new row comprising an indication of a change requested to be made to the journal table based on the transaction.