Database storage and maintenance using row index ordering

A computer-implemented method for flexibly storing data in a database so as to allow facile and efficient updating and maintenance of the database, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing a computer-implemented memory including at least a first array having at least two dimensions, said first array having rows and columns, said first array to store a first plurality of key entries;
• (b) arranging said key entries, using a processor, within each of said rows in a monotonic order to produce the database, the database storing said key entries in said monotonic order;
• (c) providing, within said memory:
• at least a second array to store a second plurality of key entries having rows and at least one column, wherein said first array and said second array form a hierarchical structure, wherein said second plurality of key entries in said second array represents a higher level of said hierarchical structure with respect to said first plurality of key entries;
• and at least an additional array containing a plurality of position information entries adapted to indicate a row index to associate a row within said first array with a key entry of said second plurality of key entries;
• (d) identifying an update position within said hierarchical structure, using said processor, to perform a database update operation, and
• (e) performing, using said processor, said database update operation, which includes a rearrangement of a portion of said first plurality of key entries, to produce an updated database in which said key entries within said first array are arranged in said monotonic order.

A computer-implemented system for flexibly storing data in a database so as to allow facile and efficient updating and maintenance of the database, the system comprising:

• (a) a memory having:
• (i) at least a first array having at least two dimensions, said first array having rows and columns, said first array to store a first plurality of key entries;
• (ii) at least a second array to store a second plurality of key entries having rows and at least one column, wherein said first array and said second array form a hierarchical structure, wherein said second plurality of key entries in said second array represents a higher level of said hierarchical structure with respect to said first plurality of key entries;
• (iii) at least an additional array containing a plurality of position information entries adapted to indicate a row index to associate a row within said first array with a key entry of said second plurality of key entries, and
• (b) a processor having processing logic adapted to:
• (i) arrange said first plurality of key entries within each of said rows in a monotonic order;
• (ii) identify an update position within said hierarchical structure to perform a database update operation, and
• (iii) perform said database update operation by rearrangement of a portion of said first plurality of key entries to produce an updated database in which said key entries within said first array are arranged in said monotonic order.