SQL Performance

SQL, which is short for Structured Query Language, stands at the heart of database development. It is the programming language used most often by database application developers, for modifying or obtaining information from a relational database. Thus, it logically follows that, to keep your database operating in tip top condition, you must first optimize the performance of your SQL statements.

Of course the most obvious way to gauge the performance of a SQL statement is to measure the amount of time it takes to execute. In determining this value the developer or database administrator needs to examine how long it takes to process hardware to return query results. This includes the CPU and the various I/O devices.

In addition to measuring the time it takes to process the SQL statements, an evaluation of SQL performance should also include a calculation of how much of the system resources are being consumed during the operation. This is especially true for I/O devices. Whether the devices are reading or writing information to disk or memory, it tends to be slowest and most draining part of the query.

Measuring Processing Time

There are several methods that can be used to measure the time it takes for a system to process a SQL statement. The developer could make use of some built in SQL server commands, such as GETDATE() or SET STATISTICS. The developer might also consider purchasing one of the prepackaged SQL performance monitor products offered by several third party software vendors.