Database Optimizer Plan Validation via Test Case Execution

The patent applies preliminary action by executing test cases before deploying optimizer changes to production. The validation framework runs queries against test databases with varied data characteristics (different sizes, distributions, and patterns) to predict performance outcomes before the optimizer changes are activated, allowing potential performance degradation to be detected and addressed in advance.

The patent implements feedback by measuring actual query execution performance across multiple test cases and using these results to validate whether optimizer changes achieve their intended improvements. The system provides feedback on which data characteristics lead to performance improvements versus degradation, enabling iterative refinement of optimizer strategies and informing decisions about which changes to deploy in production environments.

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the validation process into distinct components: multiple independent test cases, each targeting specific data characteristics (different table sizes, query patterns, data distributions). This segmentation allows the validation framework to efficiently execute targeted tests rather than requiring exhaustive testing of all possible scenarios, reducing overall validation time while maintaining comprehensive coverage of critical performance aspects.

The patent employs partial action by selecting and executing a representative subset of test cases that cover the most critical and common data characteristics and query patterns. Rather than running every possible test scenario, the framework focuses on a curated set of tests that provide sufficient validation confidence with minimized resource consumption and execution time, accepting that not every edge case needs to be tested in detail.