SQL Tuning
by: Stephen J. Richards
Companies that rely upon database information obtained by SQL queries commonly encounter performance issues as their databases grow to contain mass amounts of information. Over time, the same processes that have historically proven successful may become inadequate when the application needs to accommodate thousands or millions of database records. Suppose a company has always utilized a process in which a SQL query looks for a name by checking the first row to see if it holds the specified name, and if not, checking the second row for the name, and so on. When this company’s database held only fifty names, this method would have been perfectly efficient and acceptable. But how would the same query go about locating the same name once the company’s database has expanded to contain a thousand names? What about twenty million? The query would use the same system and likely get the job done, but not very efficiently. The CPU usage and response time would be compromised as the query was forced to navigate through mass amounts of information seeking one single record.
Database expansion poses challenges to developers and business owners whose profitability relies on optimal software performance. When an indefinite amount of information is expected to be added to a database, it becomes apparent that fine tuned SQL statements are necessary to minimize CPU usage and response time, which is where SQL tuning comes in.
SQL tuning involves streamlining the process through which SQL queries locate the sought after information. Innovative enterprise data availability companies have developed software solutions with extensive capabilities which help analyze the performance of the code and automate the process of identifying the specific applications that are causing performance delays, with the goal of reducing the time and CPU usage required to implement a new application. Such technology allows developers to analyze, test and correct the performance of new or existing applications in a test environment without affecting production. Such technology also allows developers to identify what specific issues are having the greatest effect on performance, so that they may focus their energy on correcting the problems with the highest priority.
SQL tuning technology targets and significantly improves the performance of SQL applications, in turn increasing QA production and reducing the need for time-consuming manual testing. It also provides developers with a tool to help analyze and maximize the efficiency of their applications during development, thus increasing productivity as well as enhancing the quality of their work.
About The Author
Stephen J. Richards has 25 years experience in Data Management and Information Technology. This information is provided as a public service by Neon Enterprise Software, a leading provider of SQL tuning products. For more information, please visit
http://www.neonesoft.com
