[Feature](lance) Support multi-vector columns and queries
- Dominant language
- Java
- Stars
- 15.9k
- Forks
- 3.9k
- Avg merge
- 2d 23h
- Merged PRs (30d)
- 520
Description
## Parent
Tracked by #66340. Single-vector search was introduced by #65730.
## Scope
- [ ] Map List> Lance columns for multi-vector use.
- [ ] Accept multiple sub-vectors in one logical query.
- [ ] Implement Multi-vector Search.
- [ ] Define aggregation, scoring, filtering, Top-K, and _distance semantics.
- [ ] Do not implicitly expand the scope to joint search across multiple vector columns.
## Completion criteria
- [ ] FE type analysis, serialization, and BE execution are implemented.
- [ ] Tests cover supported element types, dimensions, nullability, and scoring behavior.
- [ ] User documentation describes the query format and result semantics.
- [ ] Representative multi-vector datasets and indexes are verified.
Contributor guide
Research direction
Start with the parent issue #66340 and the single-vector search work in #65730. Trace the FE type analysis, serialization, and BE execution paths, then review how supported element types, dimensions, nullability, scoring, filtering, Top-K, and _distance are tested. Done means multi-vector queries, representative datasets and indexes, and user documentation cover the stated semantics.
Written by the indexing model from the issue text.
Assessment
- Tech stack
- java
- Domain
- backend-api-design, databases, search
- Issue type
- Feature
- Difficulty
- 5/5
- Estimated time
- Over a week
- Activity status
- Quiet
- Clarity
- Mostly clear
- Newbie friendliness
- 35/100