Optimize Oracle Database

Oracle database administrators (DBAs) are in constant need of tools that will keep their databases running in tip top condition. Oracle databases have a tendency to grow to be rather large in size, thus to optimize the performance of their databases the DBA might consider investing in a database management software product. The product selected should be capable of monitoring the performance of the database, analyzing the collected data, and then generating efficiency as well as deficiency reports.

In optimizing the Oracle database, the tool selected should provide the DBA with the ability to track and log the performance of all the transactions that occur in the database. Furthermore, the tool should include a feature for auditing each SQL statement. The DBA can then take the information collected and use it to assist in troubleshooting the application.

The tool selected to optimize the Oracle database should also have the ability to automate common everyday tasks, such as data exporting and the undo and redo functions. However there are a couple of techniques that most industry experts believe will have the biggest impact on the performance of the database. In fact, it is widely believed that efficiently placing indexes on all tables and queries is the best way to optimize Oracle databases.

Performing Full Table Scans

The strategic use of indexes to retrieve information from the database instead of performing full table scans is highly regarded in the world of database administration. However in instances where tables are very small or extremely large, full table scans tend to return results much quicker. This happens because Oracle searches for information in multiple database blocks and thus reads the table in one operation.

Whereas when the table is indexed, Oracle has to perform an additional search and update of the indexes. This results in an extra I/O operation. These operations are perhaps the slowest function and have a tendency to slow down the response time of the database.