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Chapter 15: Problem 4

What is meant by the term heuristic optimization? Discuss the main heuristics that are applied during query optimization.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Heuristic optimization involves the use of experience-based methods to solve complex problems for which exact solutions are challenging or time-consuming to find. Query optimization is a process that aims to minimize system resources necessary to fulfill a query in a database. The main heuristics applied during query optimization include cost-based, rule-based, and hybrid optimizations.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Heuristic Optimization

Heuristic optimization refers to approaches used to solve complex optimization problems where traditional methods are inefficient. These methods are based on the general knowledge and intuition to find reasonably good solutions in a reasonable time frame. Heuristics offer a trade-off between optimality, complexity, and computation time, often necessary in real-world problems.
02

Introduction to Query Optimization

Query optimization is a process of choosing the most suitable way of executing a database query. The primary goal is to minimize the system resources required to fulfill the query, thereby achieving the maximum efficiency. The optimizer determines the most efficient way to execute a SQL statement. Different types of heuristic methods are used during query optimization.
03

Discuss Main Heuristics in Query Optimization

The main types of heuristics that are applied in query optimization are: \n\n1. Cost-based optimization: Estimates the cost for each possible execution plan for a SQL statement and then picks the execution plan with the lowest cost. \n\n2. Rule-based optimization: Applies a set of rules to the SQL statement and then based on these rules, determines the execution plan. The rules are based on the user's knowledge about the database, such as indexes, data distribution, etc. \n\n3. Hybrid Optimization: This is a combination of cost-based and rule-based optimizations, aiming to strike a balance between the two for optimal performance.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

What is a query execution plan?

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