Merging index nodes of a hierarchical dispersed storage index

摘要

A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module determining to merge two data object level index nodes and merging the two nodes into a temporarily merged data object level index node. The method continues with the DS processing module initiating updating of a hierarchical ordered index structure by identifying an address for storing the temporarily merged data object level index node, setting up deletion of the two data object level index nodes, setting up linking the temporarily merged data object level index node to a next level node of the hierarchical ordered index structure, and determining whether a change has occurred to at least one of one or more of the two data object level index nodes and the next level node. When the change has not occurred, the method continues with the DS processing module commencing the updating of the hierarchical ordered index structure.

主权项

1. A method for execution by a processing module of a computer of a multiple computer dispersed storage network (DSN) that stores a plurality of data objects, the method comprises:
determining to merge two data object level index nodes, wherein a plurality of data object index entries is associated with the plurality of data objects, wherein the plurality of data object index entries is organized into a hierarchical ordered index structure in accordance with an ordering of attributes of an attribute category, wherein the hierarchical ordered index structure includes the two data object level index nodes; and when the two data object level index nodes are to be merged, entering a loop that includes:
merging the two data object level index nodes into a temporarily merged data object level index node;initiating updating of the hierarchical ordered index structure, wherein the initiating includes:
identifying a DSN address for storing the temporarily merged data object level index node;setting up deletion of the two data object level index nodes;setting up linking the temporarily merged data object level index node to a next level node of the hierarchical ordered index structure; anddetermining, subsequent to merging the two data object level index nodes, whether a change has occurred to at least one of:
one or more of the two data object level index nodes; andthe next level node; andwhen the change has not occurred, commencing the updating of the hierarchical ordered index structure and exiting the loop; andwhen the change has occurred, repeating the loop.