ENCODING EDGES IN GRAPH DATABASES

The disclosed embodiments provide a system for processing data. During operation, the system obtains a group of two or more integer values. Next, the system sets, for each integer value in the two or more integer values, a delta encoding tag that represents a delta encoding of the integer value with respect to at least one other integer value in the group and uses a delta encoding state represented by the delta encoding tag to calculate an encoded value from the integer value. The system then encodes a length of the encoded value in a length tag for the integer value. Finally, the system replaces the integer value in the group with an encoded version containing the delta encoding tag, the length tag, and the encoded value.