WT-283 Add WT_SESSION::alter method (#3177)

* WT-283 Add WT_SESSION:alter method

* Add new method to ex_all.c

* Typo

* Add testing and fixes for LSM, column groups and indexes for alter.

* Fix WITH_*_LOCK macro usage.

* Whitespace

* Change table alter to not walk down into column groups and indexes.

* Whitespace

* Use base file meta config and compare strings.

* Add skip stat

* Add alter support to wt command.

* Add util_alter.c to SConstruct

* Fix subsection in doc.

* Add alter thread to test/format

* Swap the value we send into alter in test/format.

* Add data-source alter support

* Only alter access pattern hint in test/format.

* Make LSM alter not exclusive.

* Whitespace

* Use access_pattern_hint in example.

* Include base lsm metadata configuration.

* Fix text/comment.

* Minor changes from review comments.

* Unused variable warning.

32 files changed, 792 insertions, 105 deletions

diff --git a/SConstruct b/SConstruct
index 0ccdf59babc..df7a66238e8 100644
--- a/SConstruct
+++ b/SConstruct
@@ -294,6 +294,7 @@ env.Depends(wtdll, [filelistfile, version_file])
 Default(wtlib, wtdll)
 
 wtbin = env.Program("wt", [
+    "src/utilities/util_alter.c",
     "src/utilities/util_backup.c",
     "src/utilities/util_cpyright.c",
     "src/utilities/util_compact.c",
diff --git a/build_posix/Make.base b/build_posix/Make.base
index 5b945aca5e0..9354eb4b183 100644
--- a/build_posix/Make.base
+++ b/build_posix/Make.base
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ endif
 
 bin_PROGRAMS = wt
 wt_SOURCES =\
+	src/utilities/util_alter.c \
 	src/utilities/util_backup.c \
 	src/utilities/util_cpyright.c \
 	src/utilities/util_compact.c \
diff --git a/dist/api_data.py b/dist/api_data.py
index acbbf0f2a68..98f9b5a230a 100644
--- a/dist/api_data.py
+++ b/dist/api_data.py
@@ -118,8 +118,7 @@ lsm_config = [
     ]),
 ]
 
-# Per-file configuration
-file_config = format_meta + [
+file_runtime_config = [
     Config('access_pattern_hint', 'none', r'''
         It is recommended that workloads that consist primarily of
         updates and/or point queries specify \c random.  Workloads that
@@ -128,6 +127,14 @@ file_config = format_meta + [
         option leads to an advisory call to an appropriate operating
         system API where available''',
         choices=['none', 'random', 'sequential']),
+    Config('cache_resident', 'false', r'''
+        do not ever evict the object's pages from cache. Not compatible with
+        LSM tables; see @ref tuning_cache_resident for more information''',
+        type='boolean'),
+]
+
+# Per-file configuration
+file_config = format_meta + file_runtime_config + [
     Config('block_allocation', 'best', r'''
         configure block allocation. Permitted values are \c "first" or
         \c "best"; the \c "first" configuration uses a first-available
@@ -146,10 +153,6 @@ file_config = format_meta + [
         WT_CONNECTION::add_compressor.  If WiredTiger has builtin support for
         \c "lz4", \c "snappy", \c "zlib" or \c "zstd" compression, these names
         are also available.  See @ref compression for more information'''),
-    Config('cache_resident', 'false', r'''
-        do not ever evict the object's pages from cache. Not compatible with
-        LSM tables; see @ref tuning_cache_resident for more information''',
-        type='boolean'),
     Config('checksum', 'uncompressed', r'''
         configure block checksums; permitted values are <code>on</code>
         (checksum all blocks), <code>off</code> (checksum no blocks) and
@@ -834,6 +837,8 @@ methods = {
 
 'WT_CURSOR.reconfigure' : Method(cursor_runtime_config),
 
+'WT_SESSION.alter' : Method(file_runtime_config),
+
 'WT_SESSION.close' : Method([]),
 
 'WT_SESSION.compact' : Method([
diff --git a/dist/filelist b/dist/filelist
index fe9a17b7799..13d67ef961b 100644
--- a/dist/filelist
+++ b/dist/filelist
@@ -159,6 +159,7 @@ src/packing/pack_impl.c
 src/packing/pack_stream.c
 src/reconcile/rec_track.c
 src/reconcile/rec_write.c
+src/schema/schema_alter.c
 src/schema/schema_create.c
 src/schema/schema_drop.c
 src/schema/schema_list.c
diff --git a/dist/stat_data.py b/dist/stat_data.py
index bcf5201bd90..022810d5c49 100644
--- a/dist/stat_data.py
+++ b/dist/stat_data.py
@@ -367,6 +367,9 @@ connection_stats = [
     ##########################################
     SessionStat('session_cursor_open', 'open cursor count', 'no_clear,no_scale'),
     SessionStat('session_open', 'open session count', 'no_clear,no_scale'),
+    SessionStat('session_table_alter_fail', 'table alter failed calls', 'no_clear,no_scale'),
+    SessionStat('session_table_alter_skip', 'table alter unchanged and skipped', 'no_clear,no_scale'),
+    SessionStat('session_table_alter_success', 'table alter successful calls', 'no_clear,no_scale'),
     SessionStat('session_table_compact_fail', 'table compact failed calls', 'no_clear,no_scale'),
     SessionStat('session_table_compact_success', 'table compact successful calls', 'no_clear,no_scale'),
     SessionStat('session_table_create_fail', 'table create failed calls', 'no_clear,no_scale'),
diff --git a/examples/c/ex_all.c b/examples/c/ex_all.c
index ea646604a76..8a1533011b2 100644
--- a/examples/c/ex_all.c
+++ b/examples/c/ex_all.c
@@ -557,6 +557,12 @@ session_ops(WT_SESSION *session)
 	/*! [Create a column-store table] */
 	ret = session->create(session,
 	    "table:mytable", "key_format=r,value_format=S");
+
+	/*! [Alter a table] */
+	ret = session->alter(session,
+	    "table:mytable", "access_pattern_hint=random");
+	/*! [Alter a table] */
+
 	/*! [Create a column-store table] */
 	ret = session->drop(session, "table:mytable", NULL);
 
diff --git a/examples/c/ex_data_source.c b/examples/c/ex_data_source.c
index 6ed80dfcf19..387248f6ae2 100644
--- a/examples/c/ex_data_source.c
+++ b/examples/c/ex_data_source.c
@@ -46,6 +46,21 @@ my_data_source_init(WT_CONNECTION *connection)
 }
 /*! [WT_EXTENSION_API declaration] */
 
+/*! [WT_DATA_SOURCE alter] */
+static int
+my_alter(WT_DATA_SOURCE *dsrc, WT_SESSION *session,
+    const char *uri, WT_CONFIG_ARG *config)
+/*! [WT_DATA_SOURCE alter] */
+{
+	/* Unused parameters */
+	(void)dsrc;
+	(void)session;
+	(void)uri;
+	(void)config;
+
+	return (0);
+}
+
 /*! [WT_DATA_SOURCE create] */
 static int
 my_create(WT_DATA_SOURCE *dsrc, WT_SESSION *session,
@@ -604,6 +619,7 @@ main(void)
 	{
 	/*! [WT_DATA_SOURCE register] */
 	static WT_DATA_SOURCE my_dsrc = {
+		my_alter,
 		my_create,
 		my_compact,
 		my_drop,
diff --git a/lang/java/java_doc.i b/lang/java/java_doc.i
index 2264cb31ef1..3606bed1d69 100644
--- a/lang/java/java_doc.i
+++ b/lang/java/java_doc.i
@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@ COPYDOC(__wt_async_op, WT_ASYNC_OP, remove)
 COPYDOC(__wt_async_op, WT_ASYNC_OP, compact)
 COPYDOC(__wt_async_op, WT_ASYNC_OP, get_id)
 COPYDOC(__wt_async_op, WT_ASYNC_OP, get_type)
+COPYDOC(__wt_session, WT_SESSION, alter)
 COPYDOC(__wt_session, WT_SESSION, close)
 COPYDOC(__wt_session, WT_SESSION, reconfigure)
 COPYDOC(__wt_session, WT_SESSION, open_cursor)
diff --git a/src/config/config_def.c b/src/config/config_def.c
index 9d886cbf0bd..e4fd7937a40 100644
--- a/src/config/config_def.c
+++ b/src/config/config_def.c
@@ -162,6 +162,14 @@ static const WT_CONFIG_CHECK confchk_WT_CURSOR_reconfigure[] = {
 	{ NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, 0 }
 };
 
+static const WT_CONFIG_CHECK confchk_WT_SESSION_alter[] = {
+	{ "access_pattern_hint", "string",
+	    NULL, "choices=[\"none\",\"random\",\"sequential\"]",
+	    NULL, 0 },
+	{ "cache_resident", "boolean", NULL, NULL, NULL, 0 },
+	{ NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, 0 }
+};
+
 static const WT_CONFIG_CHECK confchk_WT_SESSION_begin_transaction[] = {
 	{ "isolation", "string",
 	    NULL, "choices=[\"read-uncommitted\",\"read-committed\","
@@ -1066,6 +1074,10 @@ static const WT_CONFIG_ENTRY config_entries[] = {
 	  "append=false,overwrite=true",
 	  confchk_WT_CURSOR_reconfigure, 2
 	},
+	{ "WT_SESSION.alter",
+	  "access_pattern_hint=none,cache_resident=false",
+	  confchk_WT_SESSION_alter, 2
+	},
 	{ "WT_SESSION.begin_transaction",
 	  "isolation=,name=,priority=0,snapshot=,sync=",
 	  confchk_WT_SESSION_begin_transaction, 5
diff --git a/src/docs/command-line.dox b/src/docs/command-line.dox
index 0f5c56d25ce..5726a1d19a1 100644
--- a/src/docs/command-line.dox
+++ b/src/docs/command-line.dox
@@ -37,6 +37,39 @@ In general, commands that modify the database or tables will run recovery
 by default and commands that only read data will not run recovery.
 
 <hr>
+@section util_alter wt alter
+Alter a table.
+
+@subsection util_alter_synopsis Synopsis
+<code>wt [-RVv] [-C config] [-E secretkey ] [-h directory] alter uri configuration ...</code>
+
+The \c uri and \c configuration pairs may be specified to the
+\c alter command.  These configuration pairs can be used to modify the
+configuration values from those passed to the WT_SESSION::create
+call.
+
+The \c uri part of the configuration pair should match only one of the
+objects being altered, but may be a prefix of the object being matched.
+For example, the following two sets of configuration pairs are
+equivalent in the case of altering a single table named \c xxx.
+
+@code
+table access_pattern_hint=sequential
+table:xxx access_pattern_hint=sequential
+@endcode
+
+It's an error, however, to specify a matching prefix that matches more
+than a single object being altered.
+
+Multiple \c configuration arguments may be specified. For example, the
+following two sets of configuration pairs are equivalent:
+
+@code
+table:xxx access_pattern_hint=random,cache_resident=false
+table:xxx access_pattern_hint=random table:xxx cache_resident=false
+@endcode
+
+<hr>
 @section util_backup wt backup
 Perform a backup of a database or set of data sources.
 
diff --git a/src/include/config.h b/src/include/config.h
index 486aa50e86c..f2746fc76d9 100644
--- a/src/include/config.h
+++ b/src/include/config.h
@@ -62,39 +62,40 @@ struct __wt_config_parser_impl {
 #define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_CONNECTION_set_file_system	10
 #define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_CURSOR_close			11
 #define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_CURSOR_reconfigure		12
-#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_begin_transaction	13
-#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_checkpoint		14
-#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_close		15
-#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_commit_transaction	16
-#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_compact		17
-#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_create		18
-#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_drop			19
-#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_join			20
-#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_log_flush		21
-#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_log_printf		22
-#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_open_cursor		23
-#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_rebalance		24
-#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_reconfigure		25
-#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_rename		26
-#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_reset		27
-#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_rollback_transaction	28
-#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_salvage		29
-#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_snapshot		30
-#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_strerror		31
-#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_transaction_sync	32
-#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_truncate		33
-#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_upgrade		34
-#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_verify		35
-#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_colgroup_meta			36
-#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_file_config			37
-#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_file_meta			38
-#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_index_meta			39
-#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_lsm_meta			40
-#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_table_meta			41
-#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_wiredtiger_open			42
-#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_wiredtiger_open_all		43
-#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_wiredtiger_open_basecfg		44
-#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_wiredtiger_open_usercfg		45
+#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_alter		13
+#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_begin_transaction	14
+#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_checkpoint		15
+#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_close		16
+#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_commit_transaction	17
+#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_compact		18
+#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_create		19
+#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_drop			20
+#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_join			21
+#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_log_flush		22
+#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_log_printf		23
+#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_open_cursor		24
+#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_rebalance		25
+#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_reconfigure		26
+#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_rename		27
+#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_reset		28
+#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_rollback_transaction	29
+#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_salvage		30
+#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_snapshot		31
+#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_strerror		32
+#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_transaction_sync	33
+#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_truncate		34
+#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_upgrade		35
+#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_WT_SESSION_verify		36
+#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_colgroup_meta			37
+#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_file_config			38
+#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_file_meta			39
+#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_index_meta			40
+#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_lsm_meta			41
+#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_table_meta			42
+#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_wiredtiger_open			43
+#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_wiredtiger_open_all		44
+#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_wiredtiger_open_basecfg		45
+#define	WT_CONFIG_ENTRY_wiredtiger_open_usercfg		46
 /*
  * configuration section: END
  * DO NOT EDIT: automatically built by dist/flags.py.
diff --git a/src/include/extern.h b/src/include/extern.h
index c7506e55976..be042bcd6cb 100644
--- a/src/include/extern.h
+++ b/src/include/extern.h
@@ -423,7 +423,7 @@ extern int __wt_lsm_manager_push_entry(WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, uint32_t type,
 extern int __wt_lsm_merge_update_tree(WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, WT_LSM_TREE *lsm_tree, u_int start_chunk, u_int nchunks, WT_LSM_CHUNK *chunk) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((warn_unused_result)) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((visibility("hidden")));
 extern int __wt_lsm_merge(WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, WT_LSM_TREE *lsm_tree, u_int id) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((warn_unused_result)) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((visibility("hidden")));
 extern int __wt_lsm_meta_read(WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, WT_LSM_TREE *lsm_tree) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((warn_unused_result)) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((visibility("hidden")));
-extern int __wt_lsm_meta_write(WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, WT_LSM_TREE *lsm_tree) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((warn_unused_result)) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((visibility("hidden")));
+extern int __wt_lsm_meta_write(WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, WT_LSM_TREE *lsm_tree, const char *newconfig) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((warn_unused_result)) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((visibility("hidden")));
 extern int __wt_curstat_lsm_init( WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, const char *uri, WT_CURSOR_STAT *cst) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((warn_unused_result)) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((visibility("hidden")));
 extern int __wt_lsm_tree_close_all(WT_SESSION_IMPL *session) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((warn_unused_result)) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((visibility("hidden")));
 extern int __wt_lsm_tree_bloom_name(WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, WT_LSM_TREE *lsm_tree, uint32_t id, const char **retp) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((warn_unused_result)) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((visibility("hidden")));
@@ -437,6 +437,7 @@ extern void __wt_lsm_tree_release(WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, WT_LSM_TREE *lsm_tre
 extern void __wt_lsm_tree_throttle( WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, WT_LSM_TREE *lsm_tree, bool decrease_only) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((visibility("hidden")));
 extern int __wt_lsm_tree_switch(WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, WT_LSM_TREE *lsm_tree) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((warn_unused_result)) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((visibility("hidden")));
 extern int __wt_lsm_tree_retire_chunks(WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, WT_LSM_TREE *lsm_tree, u_int start_chunk, u_int nchunks) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((warn_unused_result)) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((visibility("hidden")));
+extern int __wt_lsm_tree_alter( WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, const char *uri, const char *cfg[]) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((warn_unused_result)) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((visibility("hidden")));
 extern int __wt_lsm_tree_drop( WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, const char *name, const char *cfg[]) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((warn_unused_result)) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((visibility("hidden")));
 extern int __wt_lsm_tree_rename(WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, const char *olduri, const char *newuri, const char *cfg[]) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((warn_unused_result)) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((visibility("hidden")));
 extern int __wt_lsm_tree_truncate( WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, const char *name, const char *cfg[]) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((warn_unused_result)) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((visibility("hidden")));
@@ -551,6 +552,7 @@ extern int __wt_bulk_insert_row(WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, WT_CURSOR_BULK *cbulk)
 extern int __wt_bulk_insert_fix( WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, WT_CURSOR_BULK *cbulk, bool deleted) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((warn_unused_result)) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((visibility("hidden")));
 extern int __wt_bulk_insert_fix_bitmap(WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, WT_CURSOR_BULK *cbulk) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((warn_unused_result)) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((visibility("hidden")));
 extern int __wt_bulk_insert_var( WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, WT_CURSOR_BULK *cbulk, bool deleted) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((warn_unused_result)) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((visibility("hidden")));
+extern int __wt_schema_alter(WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, const char *uri, const char *cfg[]) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((warn_unused_result)) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((visibility("hidden")));
 extern int __wt_direct_io_size_check(WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, const char **cfg, const char *config_name, uint32_t *allocsizep) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((warn_unused_result)) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((visibility("hidden")));
 extern int __wt_schema_colgroup_source(WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, WT_TABLE *table, const char *cgname, const char *config, WT_ITEM *buf) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((warn_unused_result)) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((visibility("hidden")));
 extern int __wt_schema_index_source(WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, WT_TABLE *table, const char *idxname, const char *config, WT_ITEM *buf) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((warn_unused_result)) WT_GCC_FUNC_DECL_ATTRIBUTE((visibility("hidden")));
diff --git a/src/include/stat.h b/src/include/stat.h
index e53414fc0c9..0daab83e166 100644
--- a/src/include/stat.h
+++ b/src/include/stat.h
@@ -445,6 +445,9 @@ struct __wt_connection_stats {
 	int64_t rec_split_stashed_objects;
 	int64_t session_cursor_open;
 	int64_t session_open;
+	int64_t session_table_alter_fail;
+	int64_t session_table_alter_success;
+	int64_t session_table_alter_skip;
 	int64_t session_table_compact_fail;
 	int64_t session_table_compact_success;
 	int64_t session_table_create_fail;
diff --git a/src/include/wiredtiger.in b/src/include/wiredtiger.in
index 4c72df0f073..a6deed7e14e 100644
--- a/src/include/wiredtiger.in
+++ b/src/include/wiredtiger.in
@@ -800,6 +800,34 @@ struct __wt_session {
 #endif
 
 	/*!
+	 * Alter a table.
+	 *
+	 * This will allow modification of some table settings after
+	 * creation.
+	 *
+	 * @snippet ex_all.c Alter a table
+	 *
+	 * @param session the session handle
+	 * @param name the URI of the object to alter, such as \c "table:stock"
+	 * @configstart{WT_SESSION.alter, see dist/api_data.py}
+	 * @config{access_pattern_hint, It is recommended that workloads that
+	 * consist primarily of updates and/or point queries specify \c random.
+	 * Workloads that do many cursor scans through large ranges of data
+	 * specify \c sequential and other workloads specify \c none.  The
+	 * option leads to an advisory call to an appropriate operating system
+	 * API where available., a string\, chosen from the following options:
+	 * \c "none"\, \c "random"\, \c "sequential"; default \c none.}
+	 * @config{cache_resident, do not ever evict the object's pages from
+	 * cache.  Not compatible with LSM tables; see @ref
+	 * tuning_cache_resident for more information., a boolean flag; default
+	 * \c false.}
+	 * @configend
+	 * @errors
+	 */
+	int __F(alter)(WT_HANDLE_CLOSED(WT_SESSION) *session,
+	    const char *name, const char *config);
+
+	/*!
 	 * Close the session handle.
 	 *
 	 * This will release the resources associated with the session handle,
@@ -3437,6 +3465,14 @@ struct __wt_compressor {
  */
 struct __wt_data_source {
 	/*!
+	 * Callback to alter an object.
+	 *
+	 * @snippet ex_data_source.c WT_DATA_SOURCE alter
+	 */
+	int (*alter)(WT_DATA_SOURCE *dsrc, WT_SESSION *session,
+	    const char *uri, WT_CONFIG_ARG *config);
+
+	/*!
 	 * Callback to create a new object.
 	 *
 	 * @snippet ex_data_source.c WT_DATA_SOURCE create
@@ -4669,114 +4705,120 @@ extern int wiredtiger_extension_terminate(WT_CONNECTION *connection);
 #define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_CURSOR_OPEN		1186
 /*! session: open session count */
 #define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_OPEN			1187
+/*! session: table alter failed calls */
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_ALTER_FAIL		1188
+/*! session: table alter successful calls */
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_ALTER_SUCCESS	1189
+/*! session: table alter unchanged and skipped */
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_ALTER_SKIP		1190
 /*! session: table compact failed calls */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_COMPACT_FAIL		1188
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_COMPACT_FAIL		1191
 /*! session: table compact successful calls */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_COMPACT_SUCCESS	1189
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_COMPACT_SUCCESS	1192
 /*! session: table create failed calls */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_CREATE_FAIL		1190
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_CREATE_FAIL		1193
 /*! session: table create successful calls */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_CREATE_SUCCESS	1191
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_CREATE_SUCCESS	1194
 /*! session: table drop failed calls */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_DROP_FAIL		1192
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_DROP_FAIL		1195
 /*! session: table drop successful calls */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_DROP_SUCCESS		1193
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_DROP_SUCCESS		1196
 /*! session: table rebalance failed calls */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_REBALANCE_FAIL	1194
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_REBALANCE_FAIL	1197
 /*! session: table rebalance successful calls */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_REBALANCE_SUCCESS	1195
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_REBALANCE_SUCCESS	1198
 /*! session: table rename failed calls */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_RENAME_FAIL		1196
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_RENAME_FAIL		1199
 /*! session: table rename successful calls */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_RENAME_SUCCESS	1197
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_RENAME_SUCCESS	1200
 /*! session: table salvage failed calls */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_SALVAGE_FAIL		1198
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_SALVAGE_FAIL		1201
 /*! session: table salvage successful calls */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_SALVAGE_SUCCESS	1199
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_SALVAGE_SUCCESS	1202
 /*! session: table truncate failed calls */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_TRUNCATE_FAIL	1200
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_TRUNCATE_FAIL	1203
 /*! session: table truncate successful calls */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_TRUNCATE_SUCCESS	1201
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_TRUNCATE_SUCCESS	1204
 /*! session: table verify failed calls */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_VERIFY_FAIL		1202
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_VERIFY_FAIL		1205
 /*! session: table verify successful calls */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_VERIFY_SUCCESS	1203
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_SESSION_TABLE_VERIFY_SUCCESS	1206
 /*! thread-state: active filesystem fsync calls */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_THREAD_FSYNC_ACTIVE		1204
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_THREAD_FSYNC_ACTIVE		1207
 /*! thread-state: active filesystem read calls */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_THREAD_READ_ACTIVE			1205
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_THREAD_READ_ACTIVE			1208
 /*! thread-state: active filesystem write calls */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_THREAD_WRITE_ACTIVE		1206
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_THREAD_WRITE_ACTIVE		1209
 /*! thread-yield: application thread time evicting (usecs) */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_APPLICATION_EVICT_TIME		1207
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_APPLICATION_EVICT_TIME		1210
 /*! thread-yield: application thread time waiting for cache (usecs) */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_APPLICATION_CACHE_TIME		1208
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_APPLICATION_CACHE_TIME		1211
 /*! thread-yield: page acquire busy blocked */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_PAGE_BUSY_BLOCKED			1209
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_PAGE_BUSY_BLOCKED			1212
 /*! thread-yield: page acquire eviction blocked */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_PAGE_FORCIBLE_EVICT_BLOCKED	1210
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_PAGE_FORCIBLE_EVICT_BLOCKED	1213
 /*! thread-yield: page acquire locked blocked */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_PAGE_LOCKED_BLOCKED		1211
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_PAGE_LOCKED_BLOCKED		1214
 /*! thread-yield: page acquire read blocked */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_PAGE_READ_BLOCKED			1212
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_PAGE_READ_BLOCKED			1215
 /*! thread-yield: page acquire time sleeping (usecs) */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_PAGE_SLEEP				1213
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_PAGE_SLEEP				1216
 /*! transaction: number of named snapshots created */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_SNAPSHOTS_CREATED		1214
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_SNAPSHOTS_CREATED		1217
 /*! transaction: number of named snapshots dropped */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_SNAPSHOTS_DROPPED		1215
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_SNAPSHOTS_DROPPED		1218
 /*! transaction: transaction begins */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_BEGIN				1216
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_BEGIN				1219
 /*! transaction: transaction checkpoint currently running */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_CHECKPOINT_RUNNING		1217
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_CHECKPOINT_RUNNING		1220
 /*! transaction: transaction checkpoint generation */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_CHECKPOINT_GENERATION		1218
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_CHECKPOINT_GENERATION		1221
 /*! transaction: transaction checkpoint max time (msecs) */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_CHECKPOINT_TIME_MAX		1219
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_CHECKPOINT_TIME_MAX		1222
 /*! transaction: transaction checkpoint min time (msecs) */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_CHECKPOINT_TIME_MIN		1220
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_CHECKPOINT_TIME_MIN		1223
 /*! transaction: transaction checkpoint most recent time (msecs) */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_CHECKPOINT_TIME_RECENT		1221
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_CHECKPOINT_TIME_RECENT		1224
 /*! transaction: transaction checkpoint scrub dirty target */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_CHECKPOINT_SCRUB_TARGET	1222
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_CHECKPOINT_SCRUB_TARGET	1225
 /*! transaction: transaction checkpoint scrub time (msecs) */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_CHECKPOINT_SCRUB_TIME		1223
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_CHECKPOINT_SCRUB_TIME		1226
 /*! transaction: transaction checkpoint total time (msecs) */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_CHECKPOINT_TIME_TOTAL		1224
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_CHECKPOINT_TIME_TOTAL		1227
 /*! transaction: transaction checkpoints */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_CHECKPOINT			1225
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_CHECKPOINT			1228
 /*!
  * transaction: transaction checkpoints skipped because database was
  * clean
  */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_CHECKPOINT_SKIPPED		1226
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_CHECKPOINT_SKIPPED		1229
 /*! transaction: transaction failures due to cache overflow */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_FAIL_CACHE			1227
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_FAIL_CACHE			1230
 /*!
  * transaction: transaction fsync calls for checkpoint after allocating
  * the transaction ID
  */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_CHECKPOINT_FSYNC_POST		1228
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_CHECKPOINT_FSYNC_POST		1231
 /*!
  * transaction: transaction fsync duration for checkpoint after
  * allocating the transaction ID (usecs)
  */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_CHECKPOINT_FSYNC_POST_DURATION	1229
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_CHECKPOINT_FSYNC_POST_DURATION	1232
 /*! transaction: transaction range of IDs currently pinned */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_PINNED_RANGE			1230
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_PINNED_RANGE			1233
 /*! transaction: transaction range of IDs currently pinned by a checkpoint */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_PINNED_CHECKPOINT_RANGE	1231
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_PINNED_CHECKPOINT_RANGE	1234
 /*!
  * transaction: transaction range of IDs currently pinned by named
  * snapshots
  */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_PINNED_SNAPSHOT_RANGE		1232
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_PINNED_SNAPSHOT_RANGE		1235
 /*! transaction: transaction sync calls */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_SYNC				1233
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_SYNC				1236
 /*! transaction: transactions committed */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_COMMIT				1234
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_COMMIT				1237
 /*! transaction: transactions rolled back */
-#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_ROLLBACK			1235
+#define	WT_STAT_CONN_TXN_ROLLBACK			1238
 
 /*!
  * @}
diff --git a/src/lsm/lsm_cursor_bulk.c b/src/lsm/lsm_cursor_bulk.c
index bae8206515e..7a6a40e380f 100644
--- a/src/lsm/lsm_cursor_bulk.c
+++ b/src/lsm/lsm_cursor_bulk.c
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ __clsm_close_bulk(WT_CURSOR *cursor)
 	    total_chunks /= avg_chunks)
 		++chunk->generation;
 
-	WT_RET(__wt_lsm_meta_write(session, lsm_tree));
+	WT_RET(__wt_lsm_meta_write(session, lsm_tree, NULL));
 	++lsm_tree->dsk_gen;
 
 	/* Close the LSM cursor */
diff --git a/src/lsm/lsm_merge.c b/src/lsm/lsm_merge.c
index f05a9c4b2b7..ceb5f03a2f5 100644
--- a/src/lsm/lsm_merge.c
+++ b/src/lsm/lsm_merge.c
@@ -579,7 +579,7 @@ __wt_lsm_merge(WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, WT_LSM_TREE *lsm_tree, u_int id)
 	 * Any errors that happened after the tree was locked are
 	 * fatal - we can't guarantee the state of the tree.
 	 */
-	if ((ret = __wt_lsm_meta_write(session, lsm_tree)) != 0)
+	if ((ret = __wt_lsm_meta_write(session, lsm_tree, NULL)) != 0)
 		WT_PANIC_ERR(session, ret, "Failed finalizing LSM merge");
 
 	lsm_tree->dsk_gen++;
diff --git a/src/lsm/lsm_meta.c b/src/lsm/lsm_meta.c
index ec52af96231..46ead6d6ac4 100644
--- a/src/lsm/lsm_meta.c
+++ b/src/lsm/lsm_meta.c
@@ -454,13 +454,14 @@ __wt_lsm_meta_read(WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, WT_LSM_TREE *lsm_tree)
  *	Write the metadata for an LSM tree.
  */
 int
-__wt_lsm_meta_write(WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, WT_LSM_TREE *lsm_tree)
+__wt_lsm_meta_write(WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, WT_LSM_TREE *lsm_tree,
+    const char *newconfig)
 {
 	WT_DECL_ITEM(buf);
 	WT_DECL_RET;
 	WT_LSM_CHUNK *chunk;
 	u_int i;
-	const char *new_cfg[] = { NULL, NULL, NULL };
+	const char *new_cfg[] = { NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL };
 	char *new_metadata;
 	bool first;
 
@@ -504,8 +505,10 @@ __wt_lsm_meta_write(WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, WT_LSM_TREE *lsm_tree)
 	WT_ERR(__wt_buf_catfmt(session, buf, "]"));
 
 	/* Update the existing configuration with the new values. */
-	new_cfg[0] = lsm_tree->config;
-	new_cfg[1] = buf->data;
+	new_cfg[0] = WT_CONFIG_BASE(session, lsm_meta);
+	new_cfg[1] = lsm_tree->config;
+	new_cfg[2] = buf->data;
+	new_cfg[3] = newconfig;
 	WT_ERR(__wt_config_collapse(session, new_cfg, &new_metadata));
 	ret = __wt_metadata_update(session, lsm_tree->name, new_metadata);
 	WT_ERR(ret);
diff --git a/src/lsm/lsm_tree.c b/src/lsm/lsm_tree.c
index b0616fb8ec1..38d87dd852b 100644
--- a/src/lsm/lsm_tree.c
+++ b/src/lsm/lsm_tree.c
@@ -756,7 +756,7 @@ __wt_lsm_tree_switch(WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, WT_LSM_TREE *lsm_tree)
 	lsm_tree->chunk[lsm_tree->nchunks++] = chunk;
 	WT_ERR(__wt_lsm_tree_setup_chunk(session, lsm_tree, chunk));
 
-	WT_ERR(__wt_lsm_meta_write(session, lsm_tree));
+	WT_ERR(__wt_lsm_meta_write(session, lsm_tree, NULL));
 	lsm_tree->need_switch = false;
 	++lsm_tree->dsk_gen;
 
@@ -841,6 +841,47 @@ __wt_lsm_tree_retire_chunks(WT_SESSION_IMPL *session,
 }
 
 /*
+ * __wt_lsm_tree_alter --
+ *	Alter an LSM tree.
+ */
+int
+__wt_lsm_tree_alter(
+    WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, const char *uri, const char *cfg[])
+{
+	WT_DECL_RET;
+	WT_LSM_CHUNK *chunk;
+	WT_LSM_TREE *lsm_tree;
+	u_int i;
+	bool locked;
+
+	locked = false;
+
+	/* Get the LSM tree. */
+	WT_WITH_HANDLE_LIST_LOCK(session,
+	    ret = __wt_lsm_tree_get(session, uri, false, &lsm_tree));
+	WT_RET(ret);
+
+	/* Prevent any new opens. */
+	__wt_lsm_tree_writelock(session, lsm_tree);
+	locked = true;
+
+	/* Alter the chunks. */
+	for (i = 0; i < lsm_tree->nchunks; i++) {
+		chunk = lsm_tree->chunk[i];
+		WT_ERR(__wt_schema_alter(session, chunk->uri, cfg));
+		if (F_ISSET(chunk, WT_LSM_CHUNK_BLOOM))
+			WT_ERR(
+			    __wt_schema_alter(session, chunk->bloom_uri, cfg));
+	}
+	WT_ERR(__wt_lsm_meta_write(session, lsm_tree, cfg[0]));
+
+err:	if (locked)
+		__wt_lsm_tree_writeunlock(session, lsm_tree);
+	__wt_lsm_tree_release(session, lsm_tree);
+	return (ret);
+}
+
+/*
  * __wt_lsm_tree_drop --
  *	Drop an LSM tree.
  */
@@ -953,7 +994,7 @@ __wt_lsm_tree_rename(WT_SESSION_IMPL *session,
 		}
 	}
 
-	WT_ERR(__wt_lsm_meta_write(session, lsm_tree));
+	WT_ERR(__wt_lsm_meta_write(session, lsm_tree, NULL));
 	locked = false;
 	__wt_lsm_tree_writeunlock(session, lsm_tree);
 	WT_ERR(__wt_metadata_remove(session, olduri));
@@ -1008,7 +1049,7 @@ __wt_lsm_tree_truncate(
 	WT_ERR(__wt_lsm_merge_update_tree(
 	    session, lsm_tree, 0, lsm_tree->nchunks, chunk));
 
-	WT_ERR(__wt_lsm_meta_write(session, lsm_tree));
+	WT_ERR(__wt_lsm_meta_write(session, lsm_tree, NULL));
 
 	locked = false;
 	__wt_lsm_tree_writeunlock(session, lsm_tree);
diff --git a/src/lsm/lsm_work_unit.c b/src/lsm/lsm_work_unit.c
index f3414363e3e..d9c185a3f58 100644
--- a/src/lsm/lsm_work_unit.c
+++ b/src/lsm/lsm_work_unit.c
@@ -364,7 +364,7 @@ __wt_lsm_checkpoint_chunk(WT_SESSION_IMPL *session,
 	/* Lock the tree, mark the chunk as on disk and update the metadata. */
 	__wt_lsm_tree_writelock(session, lsm_tree);
 	F_SET(chunk, WT_LSM_CHUNK_ONDISK);
-	ret = __wt_lsm_meta_write(session, lsm_tree);
+	ret = __wt_lsm_meta_write(session, lsm_tree, NULL);
 	++lsm_tree->dsk_gen;
 
 	/* Update the throttle time. */
@@ -469,7 +469,7 @@ __lsm_bloom_create(WT_SESSION_IMPL *session,
 	/* Ensure the bloom filter is in the metadata. */
 	__wt_lsm_tree_writelock(session, lsm_tree);
 	F_SET(chunk, WT_LSM_CHUNK_BLOOM);
-	ret = __wt_lsm_meta_write(session, lsm_tree);
+	ret = __wt_lsm_meta_write(session, lsm_tree, NULL);
 	++lsm_tree->dsk_gen;
 	__wt_lsm_tree_writeunlock(session, lsm_tree);
 
@@ -659,7 +659,7 @@ __wt_lsm_free_chunks(WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, WT_LSM_TREE *lsm_tree)
 err:	/* Flush the metadata unless the system is in panic */
 	if (flush_metadata && ret != WT_PANIC) {
 		__wt_lsm_tree_writelock(session, lsm_tree);
-		WT_TRET(__wt_lsm_meta_write(session, lsm_tree));
+		WT_TRET(__wt_lsm_meta_write(session, lsm_tree, NULL));
 		__wt_lsm_tree_writeunlock(session, lsm_tree);
 	}
 	__lsm_unpin_chunks(session, &cookie);
diff --git a/src/schema/schema_alter.c b/src/schema/schema_alter.c
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..e8b619737ed
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/schema/schema_alter.c
@@ -0,0 +1,181 @@
+/*-
+ * Copyright (c) 2014-2016 MongoDB, Inc.
+ * Copyright (c) 2008-2014 WiredTiger, Inc.
+ *	All rights reserved.
+ *
+ * See the file LICENSE for redistribution information.
+ */
+
+#include "wt_internal.h"
+
+/*
+ * __alter_file --
+ *	Alter a file.
+ */
+static int
+__alter_file(
+    WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, const char *uri, const char *newcfg[])
+{
+	WT_DECL_RET;
+	const char *cfg[4], *filename;
+	char *config, *newconfig;
+
+	filename = uri;
+	newconfig = NULL;
+	if (!WT_PREFIX_SKIP(filename, "file:"))
+		return (__wt_unexpected_object_type(session, uri, "file:"));
+
+	/* Find the URI */
+	WT_RET(__wt_metadata_search(session, uri, &config));
+
+	WT_ASSERT(session, newcfg[0] != NULL);
+	/*
+	 * Start with the base configuration because collapse is like
+	 * a projection and if we are reading older metadata, it may not
+	 * have all the components.
+	 */
+	cfg[0] = WT_CONFIG_BASE(session, file_meta);
+	cfg[1] = config;
+	cfg[2] = newcfg[0];
+	cfg[3] = NULL;
+	WT_ERR(__wt_config_collapse(session, cfg, &newconfig));
+	/*
+	 * Only rewrite if there are changes.
+	 */
+	if (strcmp(config, newconfig) != 0)
+		WT_ERR(__wt_metadata_update(session, uri, newconfig));
+	else
+		WT_STAT_CONN_INCR(session, session_table_alter_skip);
+
+err:	__wt_free(session, config);
+	__wt_free(session, newconfig);
+	return (ret);
+}
+
+/*
+ * __alter_colgroup --
+ *	WT_SESSION::alter for a colgroup.
+ */
+static int
+__alter_colgroup(
+    WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, const char *uri, const char *cfg[])
+{
+	WT_COLGROUP *colgroup;
+	WT_DECL_RET;
+
+	WT_ASSERT(session, F_ISSET(session, WT_SESSION_LOCKED_TABLE));
+
+	/* If we can get the colgroup, perform any potential alterations. */
+	if ((ret = __wt_schema_get_colgroup(
+	    session, uri, false, NULL, &colgroup)) == 0)
+		WT_TRET(__wt_schema_alter(session, colgroup->source, cfg));
+
+	return (ret);
+}
+
+/*
+ * __alter_index --
+ *	WT_SESSION::alter for an index.
+ */
+static int
+__alter_index(
+    WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, const char *uri, const char *cfg[])
+{
+	WT_INDEX *idx;
+	WT_DECL_RET;
+
+	/* If we can get the index, perform any potential alterations. */
+	if ((ret = __wt_schema_get_index(
+	    session, uri, false, NULL, &idx)) == 0)
+		WT_TRET(__wt_schema_alter(session, idx->source, cfg));
+
+	return (ret);
+}
+
+/*
+ * __alter_table --
+ *	WT_SESSION::alter for a table.
+ */
+static int
+__alter_table(WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, const char *uri, const char *cfg[])
+{
+	WT_COLGROUP *colgroup;
+	WT_DECL_RET;
+	WT_TABLE *table;
+	const char *name;
+	u_int i;
+
+	name = uri;
+	(void)WT_PREFIX_SKIP(name, "table:");
+
+	WT_RET(__wt_schema_get_table(
+	    session, name, strlen(name), true, &table));
+
+	/*
+	 * Alter the column groups only if we are using the default
+	 * column group.  Otherwise the user should alter each
+	 * index or column group explicitly.
+	 */
+	if (table->ncolgroups == 0)
+		for (i = 0; i < WT_COLGROUPS(table); i++) {
+			if ((colgroup = table->cgroups[i]) == NULL)
+				continue;
+			/*
+			 * Alter the column group before updating the metadata
+			 * to avoid the metadata for the table becoming
+			 * inconsistent if we can't get exclusive access.
+			 */
+			WT_ERR(__wt_schema_alter(
+			    session, colgroup->source, cfg));
+		}
+err:	__wt_schema_release_table(session, table);
+	return (ret);
+}
+
+/*
+ * __wt_schema_alter --
+ *	Process a WT_SESSION::alter operation for all supported types.
+ */
+int
+__wt_schema_alter(WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, const char *uri, const char *cfg[])
+{
+	WT_DATA_SOURCE *dsrc;
+	WT_DECL_RET;
+
+	WT_RET(__wt_meta_track_on(session));
+
+	/* Paranoia: clear any handle from our caller. */
+	session->dhandle = NULL;
+
+	if (WT_PREFIX_MATCH(uri, "colgroup:"))
+		ret = __alter_colgroup(session, uri, cfg);
+	else if (WT_PREFIX_MATCH(uri, "file:"))
+		ret = __alter_file(session, uri, cfg);
+	else if (WT_PREFIX_MATCH(uri, "index:"))
+		ret = __alter_index(session, uri, cfg);
+	else if (WT_PREFIX_MATCH(uri, "lsm:"))
+		ret = __wt_lsm_tree_alter(session, uri, cfg);
+	else if (WT_PREFIX_MATCH(uri, "table:"))
+		ret = __alter_table(session, uri, cfg);
+	else if ((dsrc = __wt_schema_get_source(session, uri)) != NULL)
+		ret = dsrc->alter == NULL ?
+		    __wt_object_unsupported(session, uri) :
+		    dsrc->alter(dsrc,
+		    &session->iface, uri, (WT_CONFIG_ARG *)cfg);
+	else
+		ret = __wt_bad_object_type(session, uri);
+
+	/*
+	 * Map WT_NOTFOUND to ENOENT, based on the assumption WT_NOTFOUND means
+	 * there was no metadata entry.
+	 */
+	if (ret == WT_NOTFOUND)
+		ret = ENOENT;
+
+	/* Bump the schema generation so that stale data is ignored. */
+	++S2C(session)->schema_gen;
+
+	WT_TRET(__wt_meta_track_off(session, true, ret != 0));
+
+	return (ret);
+}
diff --git a/src/schema/schema_drop.c b/src/schema/schema_drop.c
index 65c955cf1e9..c1a4f257648 100644
--- a/src/schema/schema_drop.c
+++ b/src/schema/schema_drop.c
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ __drop_colgroup(
 
 /*
  * __drop_index --
- *	WT_SESSION::drop for a colgroup.
+ *	WT_SESSION::drop for an index.
  */
 static int
 __drop_index(
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ __drop_index(
 	WT_DECL_RET;
 	WT_TABLE *table;
 
-	/* If we can get the colgroup, detach it from the table. */
+	/* If we can get the index, detach it from the table. */
 	if ((ret = __wt_schema_get_index(
 	    session, uri, force, &table, &idx)) == 0) {
 		table->idx_complete = false;
@@ -136,7 +136,7 @@ __drop_table(WT_SESSION_IMPL *session, const char *uri, const char *cfg[])
 		if ((idx = table->indices[i]) == NULL)
 			continue;
 		/*
-		 * Drop the column group before updating the metadata to avoid
+		 * Drop the index before updating the metadata to avoid
 		 * the metadata for the table becoming inconsistent if we can't
 		 * get exclusive access.
 		 */
diff --git a/src/session/session_api.c b/src/session/session_api.c
index 88a3c32ee11..fe1bf821d3b 100644
--- a/src/session/session_api.c
+++ b/src/session/session_api.c
@@ -137,6 +137,42 @@ __session_clear(WT_SESSION_IMPL *session)
 }
 
 /*
+ * __session_alter --
+ *	Alter a table setting.
+ */
+static int
+__session_alter(WT_SESSION *wt_session, const char *uri, const char *config)
+{
+	WT_DECL_RET;
+	WT_SESSION_IMPL *session;
+
+	session = (WT_SESSION_IMPL *)wt_session;
+
+	SESSION_API_CALL(session, alter, config, cfg);
+
+	/* Disallow objects in the WiredTiger name space. */
+	WT_ERR(__wt_str_name_check(session, uri));
+
+	/*
+	 * We replace the default configuration listing with the current
+	 * configuration.  Otherwise the defaults for values that can be
+	 * altered would override settings used by the user in create.
+	 */
+	cfg[0] = cfg[1];
+	cfg[1] = NULL;
+	WT_WITH_CHECKPOINT_LOCK(session,
+	    WT_WITH_SCHEMA_LOCK(session,
+		WT_WITH_TABLE_LOCK(session,
+		    ret = __wt_schema_alter(session, uri, cfg))));
+
+err:	if (ret != 0)
+		WT_STAT_CONN_INCR(session, session_table_alter_fail);
+	else
+		WT_STAT_CONN_INCR(session, session_table_alter_success);
+	API_END_RET_NOTFOUND_MAP(session, ret);
+}
+
+/*
  * __session_close --
  *	WT_SESSION->close method.
  */
@@ -1691,6 +1727,7 @@ __open_session(WT_CONNECTION_IMPL *conn,
 	static const WT_SESSION stds = {
 		NULL,
 		NULL,
+		__session_alter,
 		__session_close,
 		__session_reconfigure,
 		__wt_session_strerror,
@@ -1718,6 +1755,7 @@ __open_session(WT_CONNECTION_IMPL *conn,
 	}, stds_readonly = {
 		NULL,
 		NULL,
+		__session_alter,
 		__session_close,
 		__session_reconfigure,
 		__wt_session_strerror,
diff --git a/src/support/stat.c b/src/support/stat.c
index 5acd9fc713f..a9c0b24ef29 100644
--- a/src/support/stat.c
+++ b/src/support/stat.c
@@ -808,6 +808,9 @@ static const char * const __stats_connection_desc[] = {
 	"reconciliation: split objects currently awaiting free",
 	"session: open cursor count",
 	"session: open session count",
+	"session: table alter failed calls",
+	"session: table alter successful calls",
+	"session: table alter unchanged and skipped",
 	"session: table compact failed calls",
 	"session: table compact successful calls",
 	"session: table create failed calls",
@@ -1086,6 +1089,9 @@ __wt_stat_connection_clear_single(WT_CONNECTION_STATS *stats)
 		/* not clearing rec_split_stashed_objects */
 		/* not clearing session_cursor_open */
 		/* not clearing session_open */
+		/* not clearing session_table_alter_fail */
+		/* not clearing session_table_alter_success */
+		/* not clearing session_table_alter_skip */
 		/* not clearing session_table_compact_fail */
 		/* not clearing session_table_compact_success */
 		/* not clearing session_table_create_fail */
@@ -1397,6 +1403,12 @@ __wt_stat_connection_aggregate(
 	    WT_STAT_READ(from, rec_split_stashed_objects);
 	to->session_cursor_open += WT_STAT_READ(from, session_cursor_open);
 	to->session_open += WT_STAT_READ(from, session_open);
+	to->session_table_alter_fail +=
+	    WT_STAT_READ(from, session_table_alter_fail);
+	to->session_table_alter_success +=
+	    WT_STAT_READ(from, session_table_alter_success);
+	to->session_table_alter_skip +=
+	    WT_STAT_READ(from, session_table_alter_skip);
 	to->session_table_compact_fail +=
 	    WT_STAT_READ(from, session_table_compact_fail);
 	to->session_table_compact_success +=
diff --git a/src/utilities/util.h b/src/utilities/util.h
index c2cf6c22aa4..2658d877b63 100644
--- a/src/utilities/util.h
+++ b/src/utilities/util.h
@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ extern int   __wt_optopt;		/* character checked for validity */
 extern int   __wt_optreset;		/* reset getopt */
 extern char *__wt_optarg;		/* argument associated with option */
 
+int	 util_alter(WT_SESSION *, int, char *[]);
 int	 util_backup(WT_SESSION *, int, char *[]);
 int	 util_cerr(WT_CURSOR *, const char *, int);
 int	 util_compact(WT_SESSION *, int, char *[]);
diff --git a/src/utilities/util_alter.c b/src/utilities/util_alter.c
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..d228c15cd48
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/utilities/util_alter.c
@@ -0,0 +1,50 @@
+/*-
+ * Copyright (c) 2014-2016 MongoDB, Inc.
+ * Copyright (c) 2008-2014 WiredTiger, Inc.
+ *	All rights reserved.
+ *
+ * See the file LICENSE for redistribution information.
+ */
+
+#include "util.h"
+
+static int usage(void);
+
+int
+util_alter(WT_SESSION *session, int argc, char *argv[])
+{
+	WT_DECL_RET;
+	int ch;
+	char **configp;
+
+	while ((ch = __wt_getopt(progname, argc, argv, "")) != EOF)
+		switch (ch) {
+		case '?':
+		default:
+			return (usage());
+		}
+
+	argc -= __wt_optind;
+	argv += __wt_optind;
+
+	/* The remaining arguments are uri/string pairs. */
+	if (argc % 2 != 0)
+		return (usage());
+
+	for (configp = argv;
+	    configp != NULL && *configp != NULL; configp += 2)
+		if ((ret = session->alter(
+		    session, configp[0], configp[1])) != 0)
+			break;
+	return (ret);
+}
+
+static int
+usage(void)
+{
+	(void)fprintf(stderr,
+	    "usage: %s %s "
+	    "alter uri configuration ...\n",
+	    progname, usage_prefix);
+	return (1);
+}
diff --git a/src/utilities/util_main.c b/src/utilities/util_main.c
index 2054b94e3ce..1da56adf137 100644
--- a/src/utilities/util_main.c
+++ b/src/utilities/util_main.c
@@ -117,6 +117,10 @@ main(int argc, char *argv[])
 
 	func = NULL;
 	switch (command[0]) {
+	case 'a':
+		if (strcmp(command, "alter") == 0)
+			func = util_alter;
+		break;
 	case 'b':
 		if (strcmp(command, "backup") == 0)
 			func = util_backup;
@@ -252,6 +256,7 @@ usage(void)
 	    "\t" "-v\t" "verbose\n");
 	fprintf(stderr,
 	    "commands:\n"
+	    "\t" "alter\t  alter an object\n"
 	    "\t" "backup\t  database backup\n"
 	    "\t" "compact\t  compact an object\n"
 	    "\t" "copyright copyright information\n"
diff --git a/test/format/config.h b/test/format/config.h
index 9bfba3cd0df..e4f7af2e1b2 100644
--- a/test/format/config.h
+++ b/test/format/config.h
@@ -65,6 +65,10 @@ static CONFIG c[] = {
 	  "if timed run should drop core",			/* 0% */
 	  C_BOOL, 0, 0, 0, &g.c_abort, NULL },
 
+	{ "alter",
+	  "if altering the table is enabled",			/* 10% */
+	  C_BOOL, 10, 0, 0, &g.c_alter, NULL },
+
 	{ "auto_throttle",
 	  "if LSM inserts are throttled",			/* 90% */
 	  C_BOOL, 90, 0, 0, &g.c_auto_throttle, NULL },
diff --git a/test/format/format.h b/test/format/format.h
index 530156fe661..c1f4875dbb2 100644
--- a/test/format/format.h
+++ b/test/format/format.h
@@ -140,6 +140,7 @@ typedef struct {
 	char *config_open;			/* Command-line configuration */
 
 	uint32_t c_abort;			/* Config values */
+	uint32_t c_alter;
 	uint32_t c_auto_throttle;
 	uint32_t c_backups;
 	uint32_t c_bitcnt;
@@ -276,6 +277,7 @@ void	 bdb_remove(uint64_t, int *);
 void	 bdb_update(const void *, size_t, const void *, size_t);
 #endif
 
+void	*alter(void *);
 void	*backup(void *);
 void	*compact(void *);
 void	 config_clear(void);
diff --git a/test/format/ops.c b/test/format/ops.c
index b50ce3c2e2f..940318c87a9 100644
--- a/test/format/ops.c
+++ b/test/format/ops.c
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ wts_ops(int lastrun)
 	TINFO **tinfo_list, *tinfo, total;
 	WT_CONNECTION *conn;
 	WT_SESSION *session;
-	pthread_t backup_tid, compact_tid, lrt_tid;
+	pthread_t alter_tid, backup_tid, compact_tid, lrt_tid;
 	int64_t fourths, thread_ops;
 	uint32_t i;
 	int running;
@@ -61,6 +61,7 @@ wts_ops(int lastrun)
 	conn = g.wts_conn;
 
 	session = NULL;			/* -Wconditional-uninitialized */
+	memset(&alter_tid, 0, sizeof(alter_tid));
 	memset(&backup_tid, 0, sizeof(backup_tid));
 	memset(&compact_tid, 0, sizeof(compact_tid));
 	memset(&lrt_tid, 0, sizeof(lrt_tid));
@@ -118,6 +119,8 @@ wts_ops(int lastrun)
 	 * If a multi-threaded run, start optional backup, compaction and
 	 * long-running reader threads.
 	 */
+	if (g.c_alter)
+		testutil_check(pthread_create(&alter_tid, NULL, alter, NULL));
 	if (g.c_backups)
 		testutil_check(pthread_create(&backup_tid, NULL, backup, NULL));
 	if (g.c_compact)
@@ -183,6 +186,8 @@ wts_ops(int lastrun)
 
 	/* Wait for the backup, compaction, long-running reader threads. */
 	g.workers_finished = 1;
+	if (g.c_alter)
+		(void)pthread_join(alter_tid, NULL);
 	if (g.c_backups)
 		(void)pthread_join(backup_tid, NULL);
 	if (g.c_compact)
@@ -461,7 +466,7 @@ ops(void *arg)
 			 * 10% of the time, perform some read-only operations
 			 * from a checkpoint.
 			 *
-			 * Skip that if we single-threaded and doing checks
+			 * Skip that if we are single-threaded and doing checks
 			 * against a Berkeley DB database, because that won't
 			 * work because the Berkeley DB database records won't
 			 * match the checkpoint.  Also skip if we are using
diff --git a/test/format/util.c b/test/format/util.c
index a709aa93a2e..2575130e4bb 100644
--- a/test/format/util.c
+++ b/test/format/util.c
@@ -459,3 +459,46 @@ fclose_and_clear(FILE **fpp)
 		testutil_die(errno, "fclose");
 	return;
 }
+
+/*
+ * alter --
+ *	Periodically alter a table's metadata.
+ */
+void *
+alter(void *arg)
+{
+	WT_CONNECTION *conn;
+	WT_DECL_RET;
+	WT_SESSION *session;
+	u_int period;
+	bool access;
+	char buf[32];
+
+	(void)(arg);
+	conn = g.wts_conn;
+
+	/*
+	 * Only alter the access pattern hint.  If we alter the
+	 * cache resident setting we may end up with a setting that
+	 * fills cache and doesn't allow it to be evicted.
+	 */
+	access = false;
+	/* Open a session */
+	testutil_check(conn->open_session(conn, NULL, NULL, &session));
+
+	while (!g.workers_finished) {
+		period = mmrand(NULL, 1, 10);
+
+		snprintf(buf, 32, "access_pattern_hint=%s",
+		    access ? "random" : "none");
+		access = !access;
+		if ((ret = session->alter(session, g.uri, buf)) != 0)
+			break;
+		while (period > 0 && !g.workers_finished) {
+			--period;
+			sleep(1);
+		}
+	}
+	testutil_check(session->close(session, NULL));
+	return (NULL);
+}
diff --git a/test/suite/test_alter01.py b/test/suite/test_alter01.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..dfdf6b7a17e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/suite/test_alter01.py
@@ -0,0 +1,169 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python
+#
+# Public Domain 2014-2016 MongoDB, Inc.
+# Public Domain 2008-2014 WiredTiger, Inc.
+#
+# This is free and unencumbered software released into the public domain.
+#
+# Anyone is free to copy, modify, publish, use, compile, sell, or
+# distribute this software, either in source code form or as a compiled
+# binary, for any purpose, commercial or non-commercial, and by any
+# means.
+#
+# In jurisdictions that recognize copyright laws, the author or authors
+# of this software dedicate any and all copyright interest in the
+# software to the public domain. We make this dedication for the benefit
+# of the public at large and to the detriment of our heirs and
+# successors. We intend this dedication to be an overt act of
+# relinquishment in perpetuity of all present and future rights to this
+# software under copyright law.
+#
+# THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND,
+# EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF
+# MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT.
+# IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR
+# OTHER LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE,
+# ARISING FROM, OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR
+# OTHER DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE.
+
+import wiredtiger, wttest
+from wtscenario import make_scenarios
+
+# test_alter01.py
+#    Smoke-test the session alter operations.
+class test_alter01(wttest.WiredTigerTestCase):
+    name = "alter01"
+    entries = 100
+    # Settings for access_pattern_hint
+    types = [
+        ('file', dict(uri='file:', use_cg=False, use_index=False)),
+        ('lsm', dict(uri='lsm:', use_cg=False, use_index=False)),
+        ('table-cg', dict(uri='table:', use_cg=True, use_index=False)),
+        ('table-index', dict(uri='table:', use_cg=False, use_index=True)),
+        ('table-simple', dict(uri='table:', use_cg=False, use_index=False)),
+    ]
+    hints = [
+        ('default', dict(acreate='')),
+        ('none', dict(acreate='none')),
+        ('random', dict(acreate='random')),
+        ('sequential', dict(acreate='sequential')),
+    ]
+    access_alter=('', 'none', 'random', 'sequential')
+    # Settings for cache_resident
+    resid = [
+        ('default', dict(ccreate='')),
+        ('false', dict(ccreate='false')),
+        ('true', dict(ccreate='true')),
+    ]
+    reopen = [
+        ('no-reopen', dict(reopen=False)),
+        ('reopen', dict(reopen=True)),
+    ]
+    cache_alter=('', 'false', 'true')
+    scenarios = make_scenarios(types, hints, resid, reopen)
+
+    def verify_metadata(self, metastr):
+        if metastr == '':
+            return
+        cursor = self.session.open_cursor('metadata:', None, None)
+        #
+        # Walk through all the metadata looking for the entries that are
+        # the file URIs for components of the table.
+        #
+        found = False
+        while True:
+            ret = cursor.next()
+            if ret != 0:
+                break
+            key = cursor.get_key()
+            check_meta = ((key.find("lsm:") != -1 or key.find("file:") != -1) \
+                and key.find(self.name) != -1)
+            if check_meta:
+                value = cursor[key]
+                found = True
+                self.assertTrue(value.find(metastr) != -1)
+        cursor.close()
+        self.assertTrue(found == True)
+
+    # Alter: Change the access pattern hint after creation
+    def test_alter01_access(self):
+        uri = self.uri + self.name
+        create_params = 'key_format=i,value_format=i,'
+        complex_params = ''
+        #
+        # If we're not explicitly setting the parameter, then don't
+        # modify create_params to test using the default.
+        #
+        if self.acreate != '':
+            access_param = 'access_pattern_hint=%s' % self.acreate
+            create_params += '%s,' % access_param
+            complex_params += '%s,' % access_param
+        else:
+            # NOTE: This is hard-coding the default value.  If the default
+            # changes then this will fail and need to be fixed.
+            access_param = 'access_pattern_hint=none'
+        if self.ccreate != '':
+            cache_param = 'cache_resident=%s' % self.ccreate
+            create_params += '%s,' % cache_param
+            complex_params += '%s,' % cache_param
+        else:
+            # NOTE: This is hard-coding the default value.  If the default
+            # changes then this will fail and need to be fixed.
+            cache_param = 'cache_resident=false'
+
+        cgparam = ''
+        if self.use_cg or self.use_index:
+            cgparam = 'columns=(k,v),'
+        if self.use_cg:
+            cgparam += 'colgroups=(g0),'
+
+        self.session.create(uri, create_params + cgparam)
+        # Add in column group or index settings.
+        if self.use_cg:
+            cgparam = 'columns=(v),'
+            suburi = 'colgroup:' + self.name + ':g0'
+            self.session.create(suburi, complex_params + cgparam)
+        if self.use_index:
+            suburi = 'index:' + self.name + ':i0'
+            self.session.create(suburi, complex_params + cgparam)
+
+        # Put some data in table.
+        c = self.session.open_cursor(uri, None)
+        for k in range(self.entries):
+            c[k+1] = 1
+        c.close()
+
+        # Verify the string in the metadata
+        self.verify_metadata(access_param)
+        self.verify_metadata(cache_param)
+
+        # Run through all combinations of the alter commands
+        # for all allowed settings.  This tests having only one or
+        # the other set as well as having both set.  It will also
+        # cover trying to change the setting to its current value.
+        for a in self.access_alter:
+            alter_param = ''
+            access_str = ''
+            if a != '':
+                access_str = 'access_pattern_hint=%s' % a
+            for c in self.cache_alter:
+                alter_param = '%s' % access_str
+                cache_str = ''
+                if c != '':
+                    cache_str = 'cache_resident=%s' % c
+                    alter_param += ',%s' % cache_str
+                if alter_param != '':
+                    self.session.alter(uri, alter_param)
+                    if self.reopen:
+                        self.reopen_conn()
+                    special = self.use_cg or self.use_index
+                    if not special:
+                        self.verify_metadata(access_str)
+                        self.verify_metadata(cache_str)
+                    else:
+                        self.session.alter(suburi, alter_param)
+                        self.verify_metadata(access_str)
+                        self.verify_metadata(cache_str)
+
+if __name__ == '__main__':
+    wttest.run()
diff --git a/tools/wtstats/stat_data.py b/tools/wtstats/stat_data.py
index 635e710c469..d925dd67b80 100644
--- a/tools/wtstats/stat_data.py
+++ b/tools/wtstats/stat_data.py
@@ -34,6 +34,9 @@ no_scale_per_second_list = [
     'reconciliation: split objects currently awaiting free',
     'session: open cursor count',
     'session: open session count',
+    'session: table alter failed calls',
+    'session: table alter successful calls',
+    'session: table alter unchanged and skipped',
     'session: table compact failed calls',
     'session: table compact successful calls',
     'session: table create failed calls',
@@ -147,6 +150,9 @@ no_clear_list = [
     'reconciliation: split objects currently awaiting free',
     'session: open cursor count',
     'session: open session count',
+    'session: table alter failed calls',
+    'session: table alter successful calls',
+    'session: table alter unchanged and skipped',
     'session: table compact failed calls',
     'session: table compact successful calls',
     'session: table create failed calls',