Generated Columns
Generated columns are a powerful feature that automatically compute and store values based on expressions involving other columns in the same table. These columns eliminate the need for application-level calculations and ensure data consistency by maintaining computed values directly within the database.
What Are Generated Columns?
Generated columns are database columns whose values are automatically calculated from expressions rather than being explicitly inserted or updated. The database engine handles all computation, ensuring that derived values remain consistent with their source data.
Key Characteristics
- Automatic Computation: Values are calculated automatically when base columns change
- Storage Options: Currently, Tacnode supports
STORED
generated columns (computed values are physically stored) - Read-Only: Cannot be directly modified through INSERT or UPDATE statements
- Index Support: Can be indexed like regular columns to improve query performance
- Consistency: Always reflect the current state of their dependent columns
Basic Syntax
Components:
column_name
: The name of the generated columndata_type
: The data type of the computed resultexpression
: A deterministic expression using other columns in the same tableSTORED
: Indicates the computed value is physically stored in the table
Common Use Cases and Examples
Financial Calculations
Generated columns excel at maintaining calculated financial values that depend on multiple factors.
String Manipulation and Formatting
Generate formatted strings or extract information from existing text columns.
Date and Time Calculations
Automatically compute age, duration, or other time-based values.
Data Classification and Categorization
Automatically categorize data based on computed criteria.
Geometric and Mathematical Calculations
Perform complex mathematical operations automatically.
Advanced Features and Optimizations
Indexing Generated Columns
Generated columns can be indexed to improve query performance, especially for filtering and sorting operations.
Using Generated Columns in Complex Queries
Generated columns can simplify complex analytical queries.
Best Practices and Guidelines
Expression Design
Use Deterministic Functions Only:
Keep Expressions Simple and Efficient:
Data Type Considerations
Ensure generated column data types can accommodate the full range of possible computed values:
Performance Optimization
Strategic Indexing:
- Index generated columns that are frequently used in WHERE clauses
- Consider composite indexes combining generated and regular columns
- Monitor query performance and adjust indexing strategy accordingly
Expression Efficiency:
- Avoid overly complex expressions that may slow down INSERT/UPDATE operations
- Consider splitting complex calculations into multiple generated columns
- Test performance impact with realistic data volumes
Maintenance Considerations
Documentation:
- Document the business logic behind generated column expressions
- Maintain clear naming conventions for generated columns
- Keep track of dependencies between columns
Schema Evolution:
- Plan for potential changes to source columns that affect generated columns
- Test schema migrations carefully when generated columns are involved
- Consider the impact on existing indexes when modifying generated column expressions
Limitations and Considerations
Current Limitations
-
Expression Restrictions:
- No volatile functions (e.g.,
NOW()
,RANDOM()
) - No subqueries or references to other tables
- No user-defined functions that aren't marked as
IMMUTABLE
- No volatile functions (e.g.,
-
Storage Mode:
- Currently only
STORED
generated columns are supported - All computed values are physically stored, consuming disk space
- Currently only
-
Modification Restrictions:
- Generated columns cannot be directly updated
- Values change only when dependent columns are modified
Performance Considerations
- INSERT/UPDATE Impact: Complex expressions may slow down data modification operations
- Storage Overhead: Generated columns consume additional disk space
- Index Maintenance: Indexes on generated columns require maintenance when base data changes
When to Use Alternatives
Consider application-level calculations or views when:
- Expressions are extremely complex or frequently changing
- Storage space is at a premium
- Calculations involve data from multiple tables
- Real-time computation is preferred over stored values
Summary
Generated columns provide a powerful way to maintain computed data directly within your database tables. They offer benefits including:
- Consistency: Automatically maintained derived values
- Performance: Can be indexed for fast query execution
- Simplicity: Eliminate application-level calculation logic
- Reliability: Database-enforced computation ensures accuracy
By following best practices and understanding their limitations, generated columns can significantly enhance your table design and query performance in Tacnode applications.
In summary, Generated Columns streamline SQL operations by automatically computing derived columns, a significant feature of Tacnode.
For additional information, please refer to Generated Columns.