1. A method for modifying a row in a database table to include meta-data about operations performed on the row, the method comprising: receiving a command to perform an operation on a row in a table in the database; determining if executing the command necessitates updating an extensible row descriptor for the row, wherein the extensible row descriptor is a field in the row which contains meta-data about operations performed on the row; and if so, updating the extensible row descriptor in a manner defined by an update rule for the extensible row descriptor.