An approach for generating a pattern-based database includes accessing a log specifying one or more strings representing data having a dynamic portion and a static portion, and generating a pattern-based database, including one or more records representing compression of the data, by determining the dynamic portions and the static portions of the strings, and assigning pattern values to the strings based on the determined dynamic portions and the static portions, wherein the pattern values are used to provide compression of the static portions within the records of the pattern-based database.