[Video] Query Optimization in Hybrid Databases

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We're happy to share a new video from our InterSystems Developers YouTube:

⏯  Query Optimization in Hybrid Databases @ Ready 2025

This presentation covers query optimization in hybrid databases that use a mix of row-based, columnar, and bitmap indexes. InterSystems Iris supports flexible storage and indexing, but choosing the best combination for performance poses challenges. In version 2025.2, the query optimizer has been enhanced to fully integrate columnar indexing into its cost-based model. This allows the engine to automatically combine different index types, such as using a bitmap index for low-cardinality filters and a columnar index for analytical conditions within the same query.

The result is significant performance gains, with some queries running up to three times faster and minimal need for manual tuning. Future improvements will expand the optimizer to handle more vector operations and continue refining cost-based decision-making.

Presenters:
🗣 Ismail Ben Atitallah, Principal Systems Developer, InterSystems
🗣 Boya Song, Senior Systems Developer, InterSystems

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