Database Performance Tuning and Optimization (eBook)

Examples abound in database applications of well-formulated queries running slowly, even if all levels of the database are properly tuned. It is essential to address each level separately by focusing first on underlying principles and root causes, and only then proposing both theoretical and practical solutions. "Database Performance Tuning and Optimization" comprehensively addresses each level separately by focusing first on underlying principles and root causes, and then proposes both theoretical and practical solutions using Oracle 8i examples as the RDBMS. The book combines theory with practical tools (in the form of Oracle and UNIX shell scripts) to address the tuning and optimization issues of DBAs and developers, irrespective of whether they use Oracle. Topics and features:

* An integrated approach to tuning by improving all three levels of a database (conceptual, internal, and external) for optimal performance
* Balances theory with practice, developing underlying principles and then applying them to other RDBMSs, not just Oracle
* Coverage of data warehouses provides readers much needed principles and tools for tuning large reporting databases
* Coverage of web-based databases
* Appendix B shows how to create an instance and its associated database and all its objects
* Provides useful exercises, references, and Oracle 8i and select 9i examples

Based on nearly two decades of experience as an Oracle developer and DBA, the author delivers comprehensive coverage of the fundamental principles and methodologies of tuning and optimizing database performance. Database professionals and practitioners with some experience developing, implementing, and maintaining relational databases will find the work an essential resource. It is also suitable for professional short courses and self-study purposes.

Written for: Practitioners, professionals

Keywords:
Databases
information systems

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Scope The book provides comprehensive coverage of database performance tuning and opti- zation using Oracle 8i as the RDBMS. The chapters contain both theoretical discussions dealing with principles and methodology as well as actual SQL scripts to implement the methodology. The book combines theory with practice so as to make it useful for DBAs and developers irrespective of whether they use Oracle 8i. Readers who do not use Oracle 8i can implement the principles via scripts of their own written for the particular RDBMS they use. I have tested each script for accuracy and have included the sample outputs generated from them. An operational database has three levels: conceptual, internal, and external. The c- ceptual level results from data modeling and logical database design. When it is imp- mented via an RDBMS such as Oracle, it is mapped onto the internal level. Database - jects of the conceptual level are associated with their physical counterparts in the internal level. An external level results from a query against the database and, as such, provides a window to the database. There are many external levels for a single conceptual level.