Efficient handling of sort payload in a column organized relational database

Abstract

A system for sorting in a column organized relational database by sorting only key columns in the column organized relational database to reduce memory and CPU usage. The sort may be performed using an in memory sort. After sorting the key columns, the system orders a payload column according to an order indicated by the key columns. The payload column is associated with the key columns in the column organized relational database. The system assesses memory capacity prior to ordering the payload column. Prior to ordering a plurality of payload columns, the system refrains from automatically concatenating the plurality of payload columns, and refrains from automatically de-concatenating any concatenated payload columns after the ordering the plurality of payload columns. The system determines an amount of required memory necessary to order the payload column, and detects an amount of available memory accessible to order the payload column.