EXTREME VALUE COMPUTATION

Determining an extremum value of an attribute of a first data table. The first data table includes a set of data blocks. Assigning each data block of the set of data blocks an attribute value information indicative of a range of values of the attribute. Assigning the attribute value information results in an extremum set of indicative maximum and minimum values of the attribute. Determining a reference value as the infimum or supremum of the extremum set. If the extremum is a minimum, selecting a subset of the set of data blocks, each having a respective minimum value of the attribute smaller than the reference value. If the extremum is a maximum, selecting a subset of the set of data blocks, each having a respective maximum value of the attribute higher than the reference value. Processing at least part of the subset of data blocks for identifying the extremum value.