Pointers and Advanced Indexes

Abstract

In the previous chapter we have discussed some well-known techniques used to support simple and complex files. It was quite clear that complex data structures, permitting a record to participate in a number of A-sets, can be implemented only by the extensive use of pointers. In this chapter we wish to examine the implementation techniques of such pointers, including advanced indexes at a depth adequate for an understanding of the efficiency-related issues of databases as discussed later in this book. With this end in view, we shall cover here the types of pointers, methods of organising them, and some advanced indexing techniques.