Partitioned database system

A method for building a partitioned database system, comprising the steps of:

• defining columns in a table;
• selecting a first group of one or more columns;
• selecting a first function based on values in each column of the first group of columns;
• selecting a second group of one or more columns;
• selecting a second function based on values in each column of the second group of columns;
• creating rows of the table;
• storing rows of the table in a storage facility in a logical order corresponding to the result of the first function for each row;
• and
• if more than one row of the table has an identical result of the first function, storing those rows in a logical order corresponding to the result of the second function.

A computer program, stored in a tangible medium, for building a partitioned database system the program comprising executable instructions that cause a computer to:

• store column definitions for a table;
• store a first function based on values of a first group of one or more columns;
• store a second function based on values of a second group of one or more columns;
• receive data for rows of the table;
• store rows of the table in a storage facility in a logical order corresponding to the result of the first function for each row;
• and
• if more than one row of the table has an identical result of the first function, store those rows in a logical order corresponding to the result of the second function.

A method for storing a row identification (row ID) in a data row structure comprising the steps of:

• setting a state of at least one bit in a header of a data row based on whether the row is part of a partitioned or unpartitioned table;
• including in the header a first portion of the row ID;
• if the state of the at least one bit indicates a partitioned table, including a second portion of the row ID in a body of the data row;
• and
• if the state of the at least one bit indicates a nonpartitioned table, specifying a second portion of the row ID that is assumed for the data row.