Determined: a system with novel techniques for XML query optimization and evaluation
Dunren Che, Wen‐Chi Hou · International Journal of Web Information Systems · 2008
Purpose Efficient processing of XML queries is critical for XML data management and related applications. Previously proposed techniques are unsatisfactory. The purpose of this paper is to present Determined – a new prototype system designed for XML query processing and optimization from a system perspective. With Determined, a number of novel techniques for XML query processing are proposed and demonstrated. Design/methodology/approach The methodology emphasizes on query pattern minimization, logic‐level optimization, and efficient query execution. Accordingly, three lines of investigation have been pursued in the context of Determined: XML tree pattern query (TPQ) minimization; logic‐level XML query optimization utilizing deterministic transformation; and specialized algorithms for fast XML query execution. Findings Developed and demonstrated were: a runtime optimal and powerful algorithm for XML TPQ minimization; a unique logic‐level XML query optimization approach that solely pursues deterministic query transformation; and a group of specialized algorithms for XML query evaluation. Research limitations/implications The experiments conducted so far are still preliminary. Further in‐depth, thorough experiments thus are expected, ideally carried out in the setting of a real‐world XML DBMS system. Practical implications The techniques/approaches proposed can be adapted to real‐world XML database systems to enhance the performance of XML query processing. Originality/value The reported work integrates various novel techniques for XML query processing/optimization into a single system, and the findings are presented from a system perspective.