US 6,606,631 B1 · IMS on-line reorganization utility

Abstract

An improved method and system for on-line reorganization of an IMS database while allowing concurrent updates. In one embodiment, the method involves building and dynamically maintaining a map of free blocks in the IMS database. The user then provides a list of candidate database records to be analyzed. The physical characteristics of each database record on the list are then analyzed. Calculations are made to identify fragmented database records and the segments which contain fragmented boundary twin chains. A reorganization recommendation list is created for each database record on the list, including fragmented boundary twin chains. Each fragmented database record on the reorganization recommendation list is then reorganized. This reorganization process includes the following steps: a) determine the number of blocks needed; b) assign and protect the number of blocks needed; c) identify the assigned blocks; d) retrieve the database record, delete the database record, and insert the database record into the identified blocks; e) commit the changes to the database. This process of analyzing the physical characteristics of each database record on the list and reorganizing the database records is continued until each database record on the list is no longer fragmented. User access to the database is maintained (i.e., the database is on-line) during the analyzing and reorganizing processes.

Claims36

Dependent claims

A method for reorganizing an IMS database, the method comprising:

allowing concurrent updates and access to the IMS database;
building a map of free blocks in the IMS database;
receiving a list of database records to be analyzed;
analyzing physical characteristics of each database record on the list wherein said analyzing uses the map of free blocks in the IMS database;
and
reorganizing each database record on the list based on the physical characteristics of each database record.

3 more elements

A system for reorganizing an IMS database, the system comprising:

a network;
a CPU coupled to the network;
a memory coupled to the CPU which stores an IMS database;
a system memory coupled to me CPU, wherein the system memory stores one or more computer programs executable by the CPU;
wherein the computer programs are executable to:
allowing concurrent updates and access to the IMS database;
building a map of free blocks in the IMS database;
receiving a list of database records to be analyzed;
analyzing physical characteristics of each database record on the list wherein said analyzing uses the map of free blocks in the IMS database;
and
reorganizing each database record on the list based on the physical characteristics of each database record.

8 more elements

A carrier medium which stores program instructions for reorganizing an IMS database, wherein the program instructions are executable to implement:

allowing concurrent updates and access to the IMS database;
building a map of free blocks in the IMS database;
receiving a list of database records to be analyzed;
analyzing physical characteristics of each database record on the list wherein said analyzing uses the map of free blocks in the IMS database;
and
reorganizing each database record on the list based on the physical characteristics of each database record.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

IMS on-line reorganization utility

Life of this patent

IMS on-line reorganization utility

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims36