The Use of Redundancy to Improve Performance: In an Inverted Hierarchical Data Structure (Classic Reprint) - Hardcover

John J. Donovan

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0666373108 ISBN 13: 9780666373106

Publisher: Forgotten Books, 2020

Synopsis

Boost performance with smart data design that puts speed first.

This book explains how adding certain redundancies in a hierarchical database can reduce the number of data accesses and speed up queries, without changing what information is stored.

In clear terms, it compares two main techniques: family redundancy, which copies useful information into related records to speed up common queries, and collapsing of levels, which removes intermediate layers but can sometimes hurt performance. Realistic examples show how these design choices affect both speed and storage, plus when each approach is most effective. A detailed case study of the Birth Defects Information System demonstrates how restructuring saved work during retrieval and scoring phases, with practical guidance on evaluating trade-offs.

• Learn how redundancy can cut query steps and reduce downward data traversal.
• See how adding information to related records affects maintenance and storage needs.
• Understand when collapsing levels might help or hurt performance, with concrete criteria.
• Explore a real-world case study that quantifies potential savings and design impact.

Ideal for readers of database design and performance optimization, this edition helps practitioners decide when to apply redundancy to speed up queries without compromising capabilities.

Edition details

• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication date: 2020
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0666373108
• ISBN 13: 9780666373106
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 47