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SQL Performance Concise

The document discusses SQL performance, highlighting the importance of efficient query execution and the impact of bottlenecks such as full table scans, missing indexes, and poor schema design. It provides optimization strategies including specific column selection, early filtering, and effective indexing, while also addressing database design considerations like normalization and denormalization. Key takeaways emphasize the necessity of profiling, indexing, and continuous performance monitoring to ensure optimal database functionality.

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4 views8 pages

SQL Performance Concise

The document discusses SQL performance, highlighting the importance of efficient query execution and the impact of bottlenecks such as full table scans, missing indexes, and poor schema design. It provides optimization strategies including specific column selection, early filtering, and effective indexing, while also addressing database design considerations like normalization and denormalization. Key takeaways emphasize the necessity of profiling, indexing, and continuous performance monitoring to ensure optimal database functionality.

Uploaded by

akshayayelchala
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

SQL Performance

Bottlenecks & Optimization Strategies


Gurram Vaishali
24N81A66G6

DATABASE ENGINEERING · QUERY OPTIMIZATION · PERFORMANCE TUNING


Introduction
What is SQL Performance? Why It Matters

How efficiently a database executes queries — One bad query can stall your entire app.
measured by speed, throughput, and resource use.
At scale, a 100ms delay costs real money and users.
Performance = Speed + Scalability + Stability Slow databases don't survive production.
Common Bottlenecks
1 Full Table Scans No index = every row read. Fatal at scale.

2 Missing Indexes Unindexed filters turn milliseconds into seconds.

3 Poor Schema Design Wrong data types and flat structures force redundant reads.

4 Excessive Joins Multi-table joins on unindexed keys destroy throughput.

5 Locking & Blocking Long transactions queue everything behind them.


Query Optimization
SELECT Specific Columns Filter Early (WHERE)

Never use SELECT *. Smaller working sets = faster queries.


Name only what you need — avoid wasted I/O. Filter as early as possible.

Replace Subqueries Join on Indexed Columns

Correlated subqueries run per row. Unindexed join keys = full scan per match.
Rewrite using JOINs or CTEs. Always index your join columns.
Indexing Strategies
An index is a sorted pointer structure that lets the DB jump to rows instead of scanning the whole table.

Clustered Index Non-Clustered Trade-offs

Reorders table rows by the key. Separate structure with row pointers. Indexes slow writes (INSERT/UPDATE).
One per table (usually PK). Multiple allowed per table. Every index needs maintenance.
Best for range queries. Use on filter/join columns. Avoid low-cardinality columns.
Database Design Optimization
Normalization Denormalization

• Removes redundancy via related tables • Adds redundancy to cut join complexity
• Reduces update anomalies • Faster reads for analytics (OLAP)
• Best for write-heavy systems (OLTP)
VS • Higher storage, inconsistency risk on writes
• Can cause costly joins at query time • Use only after profiling proves the need
Performance Monitoring Tools
Execution Plan

01
EXPLAIN / SET SHOWPLAN — reveals full scans, index use, join types, and row estimates.

Query Profiling

02
pg_stat_statements, SHOW PROFILES, Query Store — find which queries eat the most cumulative time.

Bottleneck Hunting

03
High-cost plan nodes, full-scan warnings, lock waits, long-running transactions in process list.
Key Takeaways
Profile first — never guess where the bottleneck lives.

Index your filter and join columns. It's the highest ROI fix.

SELECT * is a habit. Kill it.

Read execution plans. They tell the truth your code hides.

Performance is never 'done' — systems grow, queries must evolve.

Performance is a feature. Treat it like one.

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