The past few years have witnessed a massive increase in data volumes. But, data, just like oil, deliver value only when processed. Therefore, data optimization has become a significant challenge for software development companies across the globe.
SQL is a universally accepted language for database management systems. Its strength lies in its simple syntax and user-friendliness. Here we are sharing six practical tips to help you tune and optimize your database.
Just like an index in the book makes it easier for the reader to access content, a properly formed index in SQL makes the data retrieval process easy. An ideal SQL index offers the below-mentioned benefits:
However, one should avoid excessive or no indexing.
The process of data retrieval needs precision. Most people use the SELECT * command for data retrieval. Instead, using * and LIMIT command is a more appropriate way of tuning the database. If you need only a limited portion of the data, you need not retrieve the whole set. It saves both time and space.
As the name suggests, sub-query originates from the parent or outer query. Generally, one has to search for sub-queries row by row, which is tedious. In addition, it reduces the overall speed of database optimization. Subquery runs for each row when the WHERE command is applied. As a result, it slows down the process and reduces the database's efficiency. One can rather use the INNER JOIN command to tune the database and eliminate subqueries in such a situation.
Simple coding syntax is the key to success. The developer should avoid making it a complex process during the custom software development process. In case data requires multiple queries, using temporary tables is more beneficial. They are good alternatives to sub-queries. However, keep in mind their specific efficiencies in individual cases.
Getting into coding loops is risky. It slows down the entire sequence. If you wish to avoid it, you can use UPDATE or INSERT commands with individual rows. Also, ensure that the stored data remains unaffected by the WHERE command if it matches with preexisting data.
Software development companies should employ execution plan tools to optimize and tune SQL databases. These tools help with proper indexing as well. However, it is fundamentally designed to display various methods of data retrieval. Therefore, it can be used creatively in the process of data optimization.
Database tuning and optimization demands domain expertise, a clear understanding of SQL and the ability to execute plans. This is a time-consuming process, but gradually, it can be streamlined. There are other ways to optimize the database as well. First, one has to identify unique optimization requirements and then choose steps and strategies accordingly.
