1

Introduction to Database Performance Tuning & Optimization

Description

Fundamentals - Description: This day lays the groundwork. You'll understand what database performance tuning and optimization are, why they are important, and the different areas they impact. You'll learn about basic database concepts (tables, indexes, queries), common performance bottlenecks, and the goals of optimization. We will be focusing on relational databases in this course. - Resources or Activities: - Read articles: "What is Database Performance Tuning?" and "Why is Database Performance Important?" (Search online – many good introductions exist). - Watch introductory videos on database fundamentals (e.g., SQL basics, tables, relationships). YouTube is a great resource. - Get familiar with a basic database management system (DBMS) – consider using a free, local option like MySQL or PostgreSQL for practice. - Expected Outcomes: Understand the core concepts of database performance tuning, recognize its importance, and be familiar with the basic terminology. You will have a basic DBMS set up.

Available

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the fundamentals
  • Apply practical knowledge
  • Complete hands-on exercises
2

Database Architecture and Components that Affect Performance

  • Description: Explore the architecture of a database system. Understand the roles of key components: storage, memory, CPU, and network, and how they contribute to or hinder database performance. Focus on how these components interact and how they can become bottlenecks. - Resources or Activities: - Read documentation/articles about the architecture of your chosen DBMS (MySQL or PostgreSQL). - Use the DBMS you chose in Day 1. Start exploring how the database stores data (e.g., how data files are organized on disk). - Experiment with basic database performance tools (some DBMS offer built-in performance monitoring dashboards) - Expected Outcomes: Understand the key components of a database system and how they affect performance. Become slightly familiar with the DBMS's architecture.
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Learning Objectives

  • Understand the fundamentals
  • Apply practical knowledge
  • Complete hands-on exercises
3

SQL Fundamentals and Query Optimization Basics

  • Description: This day focuses on SQL and its impact on performance. Learn about writing efficient SQL queries. Start with SELECT, WHERE, JOIN, and understand how they work internally. Learn how to identify and avoid common performance-killing practices (e.g., using SELECT *, non-indexed WHERE clauses). - Resources or Activities: - Complete an online SQL tutorial (e.g., SQLZoo, Khan Academy, Codecademy). - Practice writing basic SQL queries against a sample database. - Use EXPLAIN (a common SQL command) to analyze query execution plans (learn how to interpret a basic plan). - Expected Outcomes: Become comfortable with basic SQL syntax and query construction. Understand how SQL queries impact performance and how to start optimizing them.
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Learning Objectives

  • Understand the fundamentals
  • Apply practical knowledge
  • Complete hands-on exercises
4

Indexing Strategies

  • Description: Learn about indexes - their purpose, how they work, and their impact on query performance. Explore different types of indexes (e.g., B-tree, hash indexes), when to use them, and when to avoid them. Learn how to create, monitor, and remove indexes. - Resources or Activities: - Read articles and tutorials on database indexes. - Practice creating indexes in your chosen DBMS on a sample database (experiment with different index types). - Use EXPLAIN to see the effect of indexes on query performance. Compare indexed and unindexed queries. - Expected Outcomes: Understand the role of indexes and how to use them effectively to improve query performance.
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Learning Objectives

  • Understand the fundamentals
  • Apply practical knowledge
  • Complete hands-on exercises
5

Query Optimization Techniques

  • Description: Building on Day 3, learn advanced query optimization techniques. Discuss the impact of: - Joins (inner, outer, etc.) and how to optimize them. - Subqueries (how they affect performance, and how to rewrite them). - Aggregations (GROUP BY, HAVING) and their impact. - Common query performance pitfalls and how to avoid them (like inefficient OR conditions) - Resources or Activities: - Read advanced SQL optimization articles. - Practice rewriting inefficient queries to optimize performance in your DBMS. - Use the EXPLAIN command to analyze complex query execution plans and identify areas for improvement. - Expected Outcomes: Learn techniques to optimize more complex queries.
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Learning Objectives

  • Understand the fundamentals
  • Apply practical knowledge
  • Complete hands-on exercises
6

Database Server Configuration and Monitoring

  • Description: This day covers the basic of server configuration and monitoring. Learn how database server settings affect performance. Discuss the importance of monitoring key metrics (e.g., CPU utilization, memory usage, disk I/O, network traffic). - Resources or Activities: - Research common server configuration parameters for your chosen DBMS (e.g., buffer pool size, connection limits). - Explore the monitoring tools provided by your DBMS. - Start experimenting with changing server configurations (making small adjustments and observing the impact in performance metrics. Warning: be careful not to make significant, risky changes on a production database.) - Expected Outcomes: Understand server configurations and know how to monitor and interpret key performance metrics.
Locked

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the fundamentals
  • Apply practical knowledge
  • Complete hands-on exercises
7

Performance Tuning Workflow and Wrap Up

  • Description: Review the entire process of performance tuning, from identifying problems to implementing solutions and evaluating the results. Discuss a general workflow for database optimization. Review all previous topics covered in the course. - Resources or Activities: - Go through a mock performance tuning exercise: Analyze a set of sample queries, identify potential bottlenecks, and suggest optimizations. - Review your notes and all the concepts covered in the course. - Read articles on performance tuning best practices. - Expected Outcomes: Understand a performance tuning workflow, be able to apply the knowledge, and appreciate the iterative nature of the process. A basic understanding of the database performance tuning life cycle has been achieved.
Locked

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the fundamentals
  • Apply practical knowledge
  • Complete hands-on exercises

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