Self-optimizing value range synopsis in analytical databases

A computer implemented method for updating attribute value information of at least one data block of a data table, where the data table includes a plurality of records and involves at least a first attribute, the attribute value information including at least a minimum value representing a smallest value of the first attribute and a maximum value representing a largest value of the first attribute, thereby defining a first range of values of the first attribute, the method comprising:

• receiving, by a processing system, a query against the data table requesting one or more values of at least the first attribute that are covered by the first range of values;
• using the attribute value information for selecting the data block as a candidate potentially comprising at least part of the requested one or more values and scanning the data block;
• and
• in response to determining that the data block does not have the requested one or more values, updating, by the processing system, the attribute value information accordingly.