Heuristic Optimization of Physical Data Bases: Using a Generic and Abstract Design Model*

Designing efficient physical data bases is a complex activity, involving the consideration of a large number of factors. Mathematical programming-based optimization models for physical design make many simplifying assumptions; thus, their applicability is limited. In this article, we show that heuristic algorithms can be successfully used in the development of very good, physical data base designs. Two heuristic optimization algorithms are proposed in the context of a generic and abstract model for physical design. One algorithm is based on generic principles of heuristic optimization. The other is based on capturing and using problem-specific information in the heuristics. The goodness of the algorithms is demonstrated over a wide range of problems and factor values.