lsm-tree · shipping · also LSM-tree, LSM tree, log structured merge tree

Log-structured merge-tree

A write-oriented index that buffers updates and merges sorted components over time, trading write batching against read and compaction work.

In RocksDB leveled compaction, L0 files may overlap, while higher levels partition a sorted run across non-overlapping SST files. One file per level is not a faithful description.

Relations

related

bloom-filter, sstable, write-amplification, lsm-tombstone

Citations

1. RocksDB project. Leveled Compaction: sorted levels, SST files and overlapping L0. Documentation reviewed 12 October 2026. (accessed 2026-10-12)
2. LevelDB project. Implementation: log files, sorted tables and compaction. Documentation reviewed 12 October 2026. (accessed 2026-10-12)
3. Hesela: Bloom filters and the cost of an absent LSM lookup (accessed 2026-10-12)

JSON: /data/terms/lsm-tree.json