Hot spot analysis of ims databases

Abstract

A method and system for analyzing the physical characteristics of database records, such as in IMS databases. The information obtained during this analysis may then be used to perform a more efficient reorganization or restructuring of the database. In one embodiment, the method involves tracing the database retrieval process to collect physical location information for each segment of each database record in an IMS database. The database retrieval process for each database record may begin at the root segment of the database record and traverse the child segments of the database record, preferably in hierarchical order, e.g. top to bottom, left to right. The database retrieval process identifies the segment code causing the first reference to a block and the number of segments retrieved from the block before fetching a new block. The physical location information for each segment of each database record in the IMS database may be analyzed to identify one or more segments which represent a fragmented boundary twin chain. Two calculations may be performed for those segments which are boundary twin chains. If the total number of physical blocks currently used to hold the boundary twin chain exceeds the minimum number of physical blocks needed to hold the boundary twin chain by a pre-determined amount, the boundary twin chain may be determined to be fragmented. Similar calculations may be performed for the database record. A reorganization recommendation list for the database record may be created in response to determining whether the database record is fragmented.