This article’s intent is to demystify some of the definitions surrounding the topic of database performance, and to put a framework around what database performance truly is. Whether a seasoned veteran or a beginner, the arena of database performance should not be confusing.
Most of the database performance books, or seminars have the same typical overtones to them. They typically present individual tuning solutions to narrow problems. While solving problems is all good and well, many beginners and veterans alike easily get confused when trying to piece the full puzzle of database performance together. Many books and seminars usually leave the reader/attendee with the following question:
To get a grasp on some of these questions, the following framework is proposed. The framework should be followed, to categorize the performance attempts. Once the areas of performance tuning are categorized, it is possible to achieve a richer understanding of what the database is doing, and what affects it.
It is generally agreed that performance is important, but what is performance? Performance can be defined as the ability of a system to deliver the results based on the request of the users, while keeping them satisfied. The key point to remember is satisfaction. If current database key indicators reveal that the database is running optimally, but users are not satisfied with the response times, is there a need for tuning? The answer is yes, (within reason, of course). Typically, if one looks closely enough, there is usually something that can be done to make users happier, or at least more educated.
Since the Christmas Season has just passed, let’s compare performance to the task of putting up Christmas lights. In this instance, performance is the ability to put the lights up in a reasonable amount of time, before it gets dark, and before we get too cold (satisfaction).
James Koopmann has fourteen years of database design, development and performance tuning experience. In addition, he has extensive database administration experience in Oracle and other relational databases in production environments, specializing in performance tuning of database engines and SQL based applications. Koopmann is an accomplished author with several technical papers in various Oracle related publications such as Oracle Magazine, Oracle Professional and SQL>UPDATE_RMOUG. He is a featured author and database expert for DatabaseJournal, a member of the editorial review committee for Select Journal (The Magazine for the International Oracle Users Group), an Oracle Certified Professional DBA and noted speaker at local Oracle User Groups around the country.
DatabaseJournal.com publishes relevant, up-to-date and pragmatic articles on the use of database hardware and management tools and serves as a forum for professional knowledge about proprietary, open source and cloud-based databases--foundational technology for all IT systems. We publish insightful articles about new products, best practices and trends; readers help each other out on various database questions and problems. Database management systems (DBMS) and database security processes are also key areas of focus at DatabaseJournal.com.
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