Infer

Enhanced Definition

In the context of mainframe systems, particularly database management systems like Db2 for z/OS, "infer" refers to the process by which a system component automatically determines or deduces information, characteristics, or optimal actions based on available data, statistics, or predefined rules, rather than explicit user specification. It involves the system drawing conclusions from evidence to make internal decisions for operational efficiency or correctness.

Key Characteristics

- Automated Deduction: The process is performed autonomously by a system component (e.g., a query optimizer, a workload manager) without direct human intervention for each specific instance.
- Evidence-Based: Conclusions are drawn from various forms of evidence, such as database statistics, system configuration parameters, historical performance data, metadata, or environmental conditions.
- Optimization-Driven: Often employed to optimize performance, resource utilization, or system behavior, such as determining the most efficient access path for a database query or allocating system resources.
- Rule-Based or Heuristic: The inference logic is typically embedded within the system software, based on predefined algorithms, heuristics, or a set of internal rules designed by the system