Seminar: Implementation of Modern Database Systems

Organization (WiSe 25/26)

Contents

As part of the seminar, we will examine current trends in the field of Modern Database Systems (e.g., Storage Models & Data Layout, Database Compression, Query Execution & Processing, Vectorized Query Execution, Code Generation & Compilation, Scheduling & Coordination, Hash Join Algorithms, Multi-Way Join Algorithms, OLAP Indexes, Server-side Logic Execution, Query Optimizers, Cost Models, etc.) and study, analyze, and evaluate their implementation in modern database systems based on assigned literature.

Requirements for successful participation in the seminar:

• Participation in the introductory meeting & active participation in all other seminar sessions
• Independently prepared presentations demonstrating a clear understanding of the presented research
• 3 anonymous reviews to report drafts of your peer students
• A written paper of about 10–15 pages
• Presentation time(s): 5 min (kickoff), 10 min (intermediate), 15 min (final), followed by 5–10 minutes of discussion

Procedure

Each participant will be assigned 2–3 research papers related to a selected topic area. The material is to be presented in a 15-minute talk, demonstrating a clear understanding of the underlying concepts and findings. Participants are also expected to identify and incorporate additional relevant literature to strengthen their presentation.

Following each presentation, the assigned papers and related work will be critically discussed in a group setting, ensuring active engagement and exchange of perspectives among all participants.

As part of the seminar, each participant is required to submit a written paper of approximately 10–15 pages. The paper should summarize the key points of the presented publications as well as the outcomes of the subsequent discussion. Particular emphasis should be placed on situating the publications within the broader academic and technical context, while also providing a critical evaluation.

The final grade will be based on the quality of both the presentation and the written paper, as well as on active and constructive participation in the discussions during each session.

Tentative Schedule

Topics

• Storage Models & Data Layout
• Database Compression
• Query Execution & Processing
• Vectorized Query Execution
• Code Generation & Compilation
• Scheduling & Coordination
• Hash Join Algorithms
• Multi-Way Join Algorithms
• OLAP Indexes
• Server-side Logic Execution
• Query Optimizers
• Cost Models
• Cloud Database Systems

Additional Information

Literature Research

• Literaturserver der Uni Trier (DBLP)
• Literaturrecherche mittels Google Scholar (inkl. Zugang zu Papern)

Reading & Understanding

• How to read a paper
• How to read a scientific article

Presentation

• How to avoid death By PowerPoint
• How to give a great research talk

Written Report

• Writing Technical Articles
• Whitesides' Group: Writing a Paper