Dynamic disk space management by multiple database server instances in a cluster configuration

摘要

A method and apparatus for the dynamic management of disk space by multiple database server instances in a cluster configuration is disclosed. A segment is partitioned. Each partition is associated with a bitmap block. A partition's bitmap block indicates the freeness of the partition's data blocks. A partition's bitmap block may be owned by one server instance at a time. After determining from a partition's bitmap block where free disk space is located within the partition, the partition's bitmap block's owner may allocate the free disk space for the owner's use. A bitmap block may become owned by different server instances at different times. When a server instance ceases to actively use its bitmap block, another server instance may "steal" the bitmap block. Thus, multiple server instances may allocate disk space in the same partition over time, preventing disk space waste.