Re: Seq scans roadmap

Sorry, 16x8K page ring is too small indeed. The reason we selected 16
is because greenplum db runs on 32K page size, so we are indeed
reading 128K at a time. The #pages in the ring should be made
relative to the page size, so you achieve 128K per read.

Also agree that KillAndReadBuffer could be split into a
KillPinDontRead(), and ReadThesePinnedPages() functions. However, we
are thinking of AIO and would rather see a ReadNPagesAsync() function.

-cktan
Greenplum, Inc.

On May 10, 2007, at 3:14 AM, Zeugswetter Andreas ADI SD wrote:

>
>> In reference to the seq scans roadmap, I have just submitted
>> a patch that addresses some of the concerns.
>>
>> The patch does this:
>>
>> 1. for small relation (smaller than 60% of bufferpool), use
>> the current logic 2. for big relation:
>>     - use a ring buffer in heap scan
>>     - pin first 12 pages when scan starts
>>     - on consumption of every 4-page, read and pin the next 4-page
>>     - invalidate used pages of in the scan so they do not
>> force out other useful pages
>
> A few comments regarding the effects:
>
> I do not see how this speedup could be caused by readahead, so what
> are
> the effects ?
> (It should make no difference to do the CPU work for count(*)
> inbetween
> reading each block when the pages are not dirtied)
> Is the improvement solely reduced CPU because no search for a free
> buffer is needed and/or L2 cache locality ?
>
> What effect does the advance pinnig have, avoid vacuum ?
>
> A 16 x 8k page ring is too small to allow the needed IO blocksize of
> 256k.
> The readahead is done 4 x one page at a time (=32k).
> What is the reasoning behind 1/4 ring for readahead (why not 1/2), is
> 3/4 the trail for followers and bgwriter ?
>
> I think in anticipation of doing a single IO call for more that one
> page, the KillAndReadBuffer function should be split into two
> parts. One
> that does the killing
> for n pages, and one that does the reading for n pages.
> Killing n before reading n would also have the positive effect of
> grouping perhaps needed writes (not interleaving them with the reads).
>
> I think the 60% Nbuffers is a very good starting point. I would only
> introduce a GUC when we see evidence that it is needed (I agree with
> Simon's partitioning comments, but I'd still wait and see).
>
> Andreas
>