Minimizes use of disk space for newly created columns in SAP Sybase IQ 15 databases.
Option can be set at the database (PUBLIC) or user level. When set at the database level, the value becomes the default for any new user, but has no impact on existing users. When set at the user level, overrides the PUBLIC value for that user only. No system privilege is required to set option for self. System privilege is required to set at database level or at user level for any user other than self.
Requires the SET ANY PUBLIC OPTION system privilege to set this option. Can be set temporary for an individual connection or for the PUBLIC role. Takes effect immediately.
MINIMIZE_STORAGE applies to databases running with FP_NBIT_IQ15_COMPATIBILITY='ON'. If FP_NBIT_IQ15_COMPATIBILITY='OFF', the database engine ignores this option.
If FP_NBIT_IQ15_COMPATIBILITY='ON', MINIMIZE_STORAGE optimizes storage for new columns by using as little as one byte of disk space per row wherever appropriate. By default, this option is 'OFF' for the PUBLIC role, and the specialized storage optimization does not occur for all newly created columns; when MINIMIZE_STORAGE='OFF' for the PUBLIC role but 'ON' as a temporary user option, one-byte storage is used for new columns created by that user ID.
In SAP Sybase IQ 15.x databases, setting MINIMIZE_STORAGE=ON is equivalent to placing an IQ UNIQUE 255 clause on every new column, with the exception of certain data types that are by nature too wide for one-byte storage. When MINIMIZE_STORAGE='ON', there is no need to specify IQ UNIQUE, except for columns with more than 65536 unique values.
When the ratio of main memory to the number of columns is large, turning MINIMIZE_STORAGE='ON' is beneficial. Otherwise, storage of new columns generally benefits by turning this option OFF.