1. A method for performing multi-stage table updates, the method comprising: receiving a query at a query processor, wherein executing the query causes an update to an entire table in a database; estimating an amount of transaction log space required to execute the query; if the amount of transaction log space is greater than a pre-determined threshold, splitting the query into a set of sub-queries, wherein an amount of transaction log space required by each sub-query in the set of sub-queries is less than the pre-determined threshold; for each sub-query in the set of sub-queries: executing the sub-query, and performing a mini-commit operation for the sub-query, wherein updates which comprise the mini-commit operation are not exposed to a user; and when mini-commit operations have been performed for all of the sub-queries, performing a commit operation for the query.