Integrated search engine devices and methods of updating same using node splitting and merging operations

Abstract

Methods of updating b-tree data structures (e.g., b*tree data structure) using search key insertion and deletion operations proceed from respective known states (e.g., respective canonical forms). These insertion operations include inserting a first search key into the b-tree by reconfiguring (e.g., pre-processing) a plurality of sibling nodes of the b-tree into a predetermined overloaded form having a shape that is independent of a value of the first search key to be inserted therein. An operation is then performed to split the sibling nodes by redistributing the first and other search keys among an expanded plurality of the sibling nodes. These insertion operations use a process that trades off possibly performing additional memory accesses (e.g., to shift search keys (and/or handles or pointers) to the predetermined overloaded form) for the certainty that the same key movements are ultimately performed during operations to split sibling nodes.