Optimization in SQL: The Importance of Automated Tuning

Structured data is going to last, despite the growing prevalence and importance of unstructured data. In fact, it is foreseen as one of the biggest time-consumers for Database Administrators, at least for the discernable future. 

Structured data also requires to be accessed, and SQL is the chief access method, which means professionals will rely on this language for ad hoc queries and app information manipulation. Additionally, since over eighty percent of all new structured data in an institution consists of transactional information, we know that client-centric, as well as other business data of vital importance, relies on a great performance, which can be maintained through optimization in SQL and tuning.

How We Know Structured Data Necessitates Optimization in Oracle Database and SQL

So, structured data requires SQL tuning on a regular basis. But is this actually considered by your organization? Although you’re not alone, research suggests that 

  • Over seventy percent of database professionals say that optimization in Oracle database and SQL claims the greatest time commitment 
  • Hardly five percent of DBAs admit that tuning and optimization in SQL is not a part of their routine.

Apparently, SQL tuning forms one of the main tasks of DBAs and is being performed quite regularly. However, according to one of the findings, 77% of SQL tuning and optimization is performed manually

Shortcomings of Manual Tuning and Optimization in SQL

Relational databases are the predominant location for structured data. This might make you wonder why SQL tuning is so essential, especially since a majority of the popularly utilized relational database vendors provide internal, inbuilt mechanisms for optimization in SQL that manage statements internally by rewriting them where necessary, prior to execution. 

Still, there are certain deficiencies of such internal methods for optimization in SQL, including the following –

  • failure to identify a decent access plan for a SQL query
  • Scarcity of latest statistics 
  • Inaccurate cost estimation.

These create problems in precise optimization of SQL and need automated tools or professionals to get involved. Therefore, SQL tuning becomes necessary for DBAs and database developers.

What Automated SQL Tuning Tools Help Database Professionals Achieve

Yes, performance tuning for SQL can and should be automated. That’s because not only does it save the time of everyone involved in the process, but it reduces the chances of error to a great extent.

At present, there are some amazing tools by Tosska that bring multiple advantages of automation, powered by the latest technology. Here are just a few things they can do – 

  • Save the developer’s time to rewrite a problematic SQL statement to make it faster
  • Turn SQL tuning into a one-button affair, allow the pros to redirect their efforts towards more productive aspects of the organization
  • Provide on-the-job SQL training for in-house database developers
  • Offer the most optimum solution while eliminating trial and error

The amount of time saved by DBAs with these tools is perhaps one of the most significant improvements, a direct result of the quicker generation of optimized SQL statements. Of course, the actual time savings experienced by every organization may be different, because it relies on several factors specific to each environment, database caseloads, and unique objectives for optimization in SQL.