A system for query planning and execution with source and/or sink operators is provided. In some implementations, the system performs operations comprising identifying a plurality of operators for executing a query, allocating space in memory for storing data when a second operator comprises a collection operator for collecting the data, generating at least a portion of the data based on executing a first operator, and providing the data (e.g., access to the data) to another operator which occurs after the first operator. In some implementations, a query plan for execution of the query can be generated to include the first operator and exclude the collection operator. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also described.