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Abstract

A method and apparatus for processing a query in a database system using index types that are not built into the database system are disclosed. Routines for managing an index structure that is not supported by a database system are generated. Data that identifies the routines are submitted to the database system, thereby 'registering' the index types with the database system. In response to statements issued to the database system by a client, the database system calls the routines, causing the routines to create an index structure using data from a data container in the database, and to generate data that indicates which data in the data container satisfies a query issued by the client. The routines of the registered index type extend the indexing capabilities of the database systems and one or more such index types can be registered with the database system. The index structure managed by the routines may be maintained within segments of the database, and the segments may be accessed as index-only tables. Storing a row of data in a database using index-only tables involves storing in a leaf node an index entry that includes a key value along with all other values in the row of data. If the row of data exceeds a predetermined size, then a portion of the row of data is stored in an overflow area. Retrieving a row of data from an index-only table for a user-supplied key involves identifying a leaf node for the key, and reading a row of data from the index entry and any remaining portion from the overflow area when the row exceeds the predetermined size.

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