Top 10 Database Optimization Best Practices for Web Developers
Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2025 6:41 am
Improving database performance has become an essential task for web developers as it directly influences the quality of user interactions with web applications, especially in the context of web application development in Sydney . While it may not sound very exciting, the benefits of doing so far outweigh the effort involved. Proper database optimization can result in better performance, fewer performance bottlenecks, and resource savings.
The good news is that there are optimization techniques available that do not require the level of expertise typically associated with a database administrator's knowledge of SQL queries.
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To help you get started on this journey, we’ll explore ten valuable practices egypt mobile database that web developers can follow to optimize their databases. Once you’ve implemented these practices, you can always delve deeper into the world of database optimization.
1. Use EXPLAIN in your SELECT queries
Using the EXPLAIN keyword is an effective method for quickly resolving slow queries. It provides valuable information about how the query will perform, helping you discover areas where you can optimize the query.
To use EXPLAIN, simply add the EXPLAIN keyword to your SELECT query. This action does not trigger the actual query, but it presents the execution plan.
After examining the results more closely, you may be able to identify potential bottlenecks or other issues, such as missing indexes, and subsequently reduce the number of rows being examined.
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Thanks to the EXPLAIN tool, you can optimize your query or, if necessary, improve table structures.
2. Include indexes on the searched columns
When you frequently search a specific column in your table, you can significantly improve query performance by adding an index on that column.
Introducing an index on your queried column can reduce response times and optimize resource utilization. While not all queries benefit from indexing, it proves valuable in most cases.
It is important to note, however, that maintaining an indexed table takes longer than maintaining a non-indexed table. This is because indexes also require updates. Therefore, it is advisable to create indexes only for columns that are frequently searched, and not for tables that undergo more frequent updates than reads.
Related Blog: 10 Ways to Get Your Website Indexed Faster on Google
3. Use identity fields whenever possible
Incorporating an Identity field as a PRIMARY KEY in your tables offers several advantages.
First, it's faster. You can simply use an integer in your queries instead of a longer string field. This not only speeds up your queries, but also saves memory since integers are usually shorter.
Second, it is a safer practice. Relying on application data fields as PRIMARY KEYS can lead to several complications. For example, if you use a person's name or address as your PRIMARY KEY, you may run into problems when a customer or user changes their name, moves, or even makes a minor typo.
The good news is that there are optimization techniques available that do not require the level of expertise typically associated with a database administrator's knowledge of SQL queries.
code
To help you get started on this journey, we’ll explore ten valuable practices egypt mobile database that web developers can follow to optimize their databases. Once you’ve implemented these practices, you can always delve deeper into the world of database optimization.
1. Use EXPLAIN in your SELECT queries
Using the EXPLAIN keyword is an effective method for quickly resolving slow queries. It provides valuable information about how the query will perform, helping you discover areas where you can optimize the query.
To use EXPLAIN, simply add the EXPLAIN keyword to your SELECT query. This action does not trigger the actual query, but it presents the execution plan.
After examining the results more closely, you may be able to identify potential bottlenecks or other issues, such as missing indexes, and subsequently reduce the number of rows being examined.
Meet Ranktracker
The All-in-One Platform for Effective SEO
Behind every successful business is a strong SEO campaign. But with countless optimization tools and techniques out there to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Well, fear no more, because I have just the thing to help. Introducing the all-in-one Ranktracker platform for effective SEO
We have finally opened registration for Ranktracker absolutely free of charge!
Create a free account
Or login using your credentials
Thanks to the EXPLAIN tool, you can optimize your query or, if necessary, improve table structures.
2. Include indexes on the searched columns
When you frequently search a specific column in your table, you can significantly improve query performance by adding an index on that column.
Introducing an index on your queried column can reduce response times and optimize resource utilization. While not all queries benefit from indexing, it proves valuable in most cases.
It is important to note, however, that maintaining an indexed table takes longer than maintaining a non-indexed table. This is because indexes also require updates. Therefore, it is advisable to create indexes only for columns that are frequently searched, and not for tables that undergo more frequent updates than reads.
Related Blog: 10 Ways to Get Your Website Indexed Faster on Google
3. Use identity fields whenever possible
Incorporating an Identity field as a PRIMARY KEY in your tables offers several advantages.
First, it's faster. You can simply use an integer in your queries instead of a longer string field. This not only speeds up your queries, but also saves memory since integers are usually shorter.
Second, it is a safer practice. Relying on application data fields as PRIMARY KEYS can lead to several complications. For example, if you use a person's name or address as your PRIMARY KEY, you may run into problems when a customer or user changes their name, moves, or even makes a minor typo.