Core Concepts
Skiplists are versatile data structures with applications in various systems, offering efficient operations and adaptability to different access patterns.
Abstract
Skiplists are widely used due to their simplicity, efficiency, and adaptability. They find applications in database systems, operating systems, and network algorithms. Different variants like deterministic skiplists, biased skiplists, and self-adjusting skiplists cater to specific needs such as skewed data access patterns.
The content delves into the evolution of skiplist variants over time and explores their applications in databases, key-value stores, operating systems, and network overlay algorithms. It also discusses how different skiplist variants accommodate skewed data access patterns through techniques like replication of keys or adjusting node heights based on access frequency.
Key points include the introduction of deterministic skiplists for bounded costs even in worst-case scenarios, the use of lock-free techniques for concurrent operations on skiplists, and the implementation of multi-versioned skiplists for optimistic concurrency control. Additionally, it highlights how different skiplist variants address biased or skewed data access patterns through innovative approaches like replicating frequently accessed keys or dynamically adjusting node heights based on access frequency.
Overall, the content provides a comprehensive overview of skiplists' versatility and their diverse applications across various domains while addressing challenges related to skewed data access patterns.
Stats
The expected average length of a search path in a skiplist is $(log=).
The cost of search in a deterministic skiplist is proportional to the search path's length.
In a 1-2 deterministic skiplist with = elements, the number of horizontal pointers cannot exceed 2=.
The (0,1)-biased skiplist can access an item in $(1 + log(,/F8)) time in the worst case.
SASL restructuring takes $(28) expected time during search adjustments.
Quotes
"The main advantages of skiplists are their simplicity and ease of implementation."
"Skiplists have become prevalent due to their ability to support operations with similar complexities as tree-based counterparts."
"Deterministic skiplists provide bounded costs even in worst-case scenarios."