Basics of MySQL Database and SQL Performance Tuning
Query tuning is an undeniably important step in ensuring the optimal functioning of the database. Regardless of whether you are a developer or a database administrator, you must be aware of the troubles lagging database performance brings with it.
Even a millisecond of delay can spell disaster and one of the best ways to prevent it in MySQL database and SQL is by speeding up the execution of queries. For this, you need to have a clear understanding of the techniques involved in achieving this task. Here, we will explain some of the key methods to do so but first, let’s take a brief look at this concept.
When a user performs query tuning or optimization, they are simply trying to enhance the performance of the database by modifying SQL queries or the way they are being run. It is done to speed up the process of storing, manipulating, and deleting data by boosting query response times.
Although it requires a lot of work on the users’ part — usually a DBA or a developer — using a tool, such as a query optimizer, can make things far more convenient and cost-effective. Some tuning tools, like Tosska’s query optimizers, even eliminate the need to look for better query alternatives manually. Since it is AI-based, all you have to do is to point and click at the query you want an optimized version of — the tool will handle the hard part of providing suitable results.
Even with a tool, sometimes performance tuning in Oracle database and SQL can be quite cumbersome, so consider these techniques to use alongside it:
The first tip is for times when you cannot utilize Oracle’s automatic diagnostic features to resolve your issue. Before you begin any manual processes, check whether CPU usage has been optimal in the userspace. This way, you can uncover any tasks unrelated to database operations that are taking up CPU resources, leaving less for database-related tasks. Once you locate such services, you will find the decision-making process gets easier to help you handle any performance issues.
The second is statistics: all of them, whether we talk about application stats, database performance, or those of the operating system itself. Doing this will help you keep an eye on any changes as you conduct performance tuning in the SQL performance tuning. It will be easier to do once you refine the process of collecting and displaying these statistics. In other words, the more you know, the better you will be able to perform database tuning.
The next is the use of the Automatic Workload Repository (AWR) and the Automatic Database Diagnostic Monitor (ADDM) to improve the performance tuning capabilities and save resources. The Automatic Workload Repository is an extremely useful aspect of performance tuning in SQL as it enables the processing, gathering, and maintenance of performance statistics. The Automatic Database Diagnostic Monitor provides actionable information based on the data gathered by the Automatic Workload Repository.
The fourth tip is to preserve a performance baseline after creating it, once you have detected a performance issue. After determining the peak usage period, it is important for the user to decide performance targets, and gain a better idea of your system capacity. Make sure you are always aware of current performance with the help of regular assessments.
Aside from these four basic methods, there are plenty of other ways to conduct tuning and optimizing oracle database performance tuning. While some may have you include elements such as indexes, others will suggest you get rid of components such as coding loops and prevent the incorrect use of temporary tables, having a proper execution plan, etc.
