"markir@paradise.net.nz (Mark Kirkwood)" wrote in
comp.databases.postgresql.hackers:
[sNip]
> How about:
>
> Implement a function "estimated_count" that can be used instead of
> "count". It could use something like the algorithm in
> src/backend/commands/analyze.c to get a reasonably accurate psuedo count
> quickly.
>
> The advantage of this approach is that "count" still means (exact)count
> (for your xact snapshot anyway). Then the situation becomes:
>
> Want a fast count? - use estimated_count(*)
> Want an exact count - use count(*)
I think this is an excellent solution.
--
Randolf Richardson - rr@8x.ca
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Please do not eMail me directly when responding
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