The Best Ways to Ensure Proper PL SQL Performance Tuning

 

There are many things you can do as a database professional to ensure your PL SQL code runs as it should. Therefore, in this article, we will talk about some good coding practices and offer advice regarding PL SQLperformance tuning.  

The tips presented in this post are extremely reliable; in fact, top experts and experienced database technicians recommend them. They have been aimed at enhancing the execution time and getting the code to run optimally. 

The code you have to tune has to take the least time to run. This is particularly important when the statement consists of several rows and the function is present in a SELECT clause. In such cases, the DBA first analyzes the nature of the function and then checks to see whether the database views will prove more productive. 

The goal behind any kind of optimization, including Oracle SQL performance tuning and optimization, is to prevent users from facing any issues or wait times when using the database. 

In case the function mentioned above has a reference in a WHERE clause, it is important to look into it further. This will help the DBA determine if a function-based index will help run the SQL faster. 

It is also essential to carry out proper coding methods and practices when it comes to functions. That is because functions work best when they only contain a single RETURN clause in the regular (Begin) area present in the code. They can make use of purity features to reduce or eliminate side effects. 

The next thing to consider is tuning every SQL call because SQL, when getting executed from PL/SQL, results in some extra overhead, known as a context switch. The SQL and its output find their source in the SQL engine which is why PL/SQL must request for every row from SQL. 

Several experts are willing to educate newcomers for PL SQLperformance tuning and it certainly helps in this regard as well. They also mention bind variables to boost cursor reuse and decrease hard parsing as much as possible. However, experienced professionals advise against using them too much as they might cause other issues in the execution plan. 

Another element that steadily reduces performance is the bulk processing of information. This is especially true if IN OUT or OUT parameters come into play. For this, it is better to use the NOCOPY alternative that allows the database to pass pointers rather than the entire information itself. That said, the best thing to do in these instances is to simply place all the routines in one package so nothing has to be passed!

Collections have also greatly improved in Oracle.  For instance, the BULK COLLECT and FORALL features have become much quicker and have now proven to be the answer to row-at-a-time processing. Moreover, Oracle prefers hitting rows that don’t contain null values, and certain methods, such as the FIRST, the NEXT, and the LAST method, tend to skip null rows. 

DBAs recommend another tip: to keep loop code as short as possible. Combined with good coding methods and single result set processing, this strategy is extremely helpful in Oracle SQL performance tuning and optimization. Also, developers should try not to use EXIT while they are inside the FOR or WHILE loops. 

A majority of experts consider this to be poor coding because it mostly results in unexpected behaviour. The better thing to do is to make use of a single EXIT command and leave the loops simple. It doesn’t only make coding and executing easier, but it also simplifies maintenance in the long run. 

Want to use the FOR loop? You can do it, but avoid declaring the FOR loop subscript. In case it already has a declaration that isn’t a PLS_INTEGER, Oracle will find it necessary to turn it into this format before it executes every single iteration of the loop. For instance, declaring the “i” in “FOR i IN…” will waste time in conversion. 

The key to ensuring lasting results in SQL performance tuning is to use recent coding technologies as they are introduced. It is useful because it will improve the consistency of your code in conjunction with coding practices that exist in other languages. 

Additionally, it becomes more convenient for the Database Administrator to modify the code when they know other experts follow the same practices during code maintenance. For example, all C programming languages have Boolean logic in common. This is why it’s vital for database professionals to conform to certain practices and techniques that will also ensure consistent performance throughout various databases.

Find Out Some of The Benefits of Oracle Database and SQL

 

There are many benefits of learning Oracle and SQL that help you manage data. Oracle and SQL can improve workflow in your company. Many big companies hire data analysts to record, analyze and disseminate data. They are required to have a complete understanding of the goals of the company to use the data. With the help of the SQL programming language, You can manage information and data the way you like. In this article, you will know about the benefits of Oracle database and SQL and learn why it is essential in these times. 

On the other hand, the Oracle database is a unit to retrieve related information to manage data in an environment with many users. Its database server can prevent unauthorized access and provide efficient recovery solutions. It is one of the tools to solve the problems related to information management. Oracle database is the first step towards enterprise grid computing and a cost-effective way to manage information and applications. It can create large pools of industry-standard where you do not depend on large pools of industry-standard and servers.

With the robust architecture, every system can rapidly take peak workloads. The capacity can be allocated from the resource. With the help of Oracle Database and SQL, you can manage your data in a better way. This type of database has logical structures and physical structures that won’t affect access to storage structures.

Advantages of My SQL Database and SQL

Oracle Database and SQL offer different methods of improving the company’s database. However, you can use other servers on the same database with the cluster feature to increase processing power at the same price. It can increase the price and gives you some options to find a suitable database at the price of the server.

Additionally, MySQL Database and SQL are versatile and can run in any operating system. For instance, when you run SQL Server on a window-based machine, it can benefit the way Unix work and keep the standardization of SQL. Unix is not affected by any viruses and can keep the information secure. You can also upgrade it in the future and retain the same data.

Another feature of Oracle is useful for restoring database files during downtimes and outages. It supports online archiving and recovery and is called a user-managed recovery supported by it.

It also uses real application clusters over traditional databases servers due to many reasons. It can scale the database in many instances. It can minimize data redundancy and availability.

SQL allows you to cut needless spending and get on the point when it comes to storing databases. It is not wrong to say that it is an efficient solution. If you are well versed in SQL, you can store and track all essential data and use it effectively.

Some traditional database solutions may track things one at a time, but SQL is not like that and provide data in one place. SQL also allows programming commands and does data analysis to update information whenever needed. In a nutshell, it can streamline data analysis that was not possible earlier.

Learning SQL definitely has many advantages and it helps you stay in touch with changing technologies. SQL language knowledge can help you to lead in the future and gain success. No matter what you want to do, there is no particular time for you to start learning the SQL language. Whether you want to start all over again or enhance your professional skills, you can learn SQL language and move ahead in your career!

Oracle Database and SQL Cloud Migration: 7 Things to Know

In case you are planning to migrate your Oracle EBS to the cloud, there are certain factors you must consider before making your decision. This is because of multiple reasons, one of which is the rapid implementation of cloud technology, especially in the last two decades.

However, some databases seem easier to adapt to the cloud than other databases and applications - others don’t need to. Oracle EBS, in particular, is an extremely robust suite containing 200+ apps that come with several custom opportunities. Here, we will mention the most important Oracle database and SQL areas to go through before you begin migrating it to the cloud.

7 Key Factors to Consider for Cloud Migration of Oracle Database and SQL

If you want to improve the functionality of your database further by adding cloud availability and scalability to it, take a look at the things you must take into account before you do.

1. Data Interface

This is the first most important aspect to take care of during your cloud migration preparation. You must keep an eye on your interface jobs as they will help you decide multiple things later and make sure the process isn’t too complicated.

Go over each interface job along with the transaction volume statistics and make sure the job executes as per expectations while maintaining connectivity. Doing this will help you during Oracle database performance tuning later.

 

2. Data Migration Approach

Go through your data migration plan to check the length of cutover time (it should be as low as possible). Your choice of cloud platform will decide how much potential downtime you will have to face in the future.

This is important to know because everyone knows downtime can have a significant impact on user performance and satisfaction. Find out the permitted downtime for cutover as you will know the time you have to work with and switch your approach accordingly.

 

3. Existing Storage Option

Review the present storage situation and IOPS requirements for your Oracle database and SQL. This will limit your search and help you find cloud platforms that will help you meet your business specifications.

 

4. Testing Approach

Save yourself from getting unwelcome surprises after the migration is complete by assessing your testing strategy. Experts suggest doing it from a UAT (User Acceptance Testing) perspective during the POC (Proof Of Concept) phase.

Make sure your testing strategy considers depletion and load testing situations and utilize a production-like runtime environment. Monitor the jobs that are running and completing smoothly - check their runtimes as well as the volume details.

 

Although you get varying options with each cloud platform, the ones they have in common - which you have to review - are the following:

 

●     The size of the virtual machine

●     Types and specifications of disks

●     Areas

●     Network performance

 

5. Storage Consumption

Assess the storage footprint of the database and all the areas you can decrease expenses on the cloud. In case your present solution has compression and duplicate-removal mechanisms, your data is likely to grow faster once it transfers to the cloud. This may complicate things for Oracle database performance tuning in the future.

Additionally, you’ll have to consider the storage use and expense for both production and mon-production purposes on premises. Consider the general effects and changes your chosen cloud settings and the possible restrictions related to storage will bring on your existing database operations.

 

6. Application Variants & Certification Classification

Aside from the certifications for Oracle EBS and its version, it is important to verify the version and certifications of the other applications you will use including the database, Java, browser, operating system, and others to make sure everything will work smoothly in the cloud. Set some time aside for upgrades before migration.

 

7. Arrangements for Data Backup and Analysis in the Long Term

Assess and understand all the backup options available for your chosen cloud platform and evaluate all the clone processes and SLAs with everyone involved so everyone is aware of the operational requirements. You will also have to analyze your monitoring tools and merging with the ITSM to figure out the changes your day-to-day database and monitoring functions will undergo after the shift to the cloud platform. 

How an Execution Plan is Picked by SQL Optimizer for SQL Server

The Query Optimizer for SQL Server is designed to be cost-based. This means it assesses several execution plans and estimates each one’s cost before picking the plan that seems the most cost-effective.

Since this tool is unable to take every single plan into consideration, it ends up performing a balancing act by taking into account the costs involved in both - locating possible plans and implementing them. In this blog, we will look at the SQL optimizer for SQL Server and the steps involved in its process of identifying the best execution plan.

Oracle SQL Query Execution Plan Picking Process

The SQL Server Database Engine is made of two major parts - the Relational Engine (Query Processor) and the Storage Engine. The Relational Engine is responsible for all the statements sent to the SQL Server. It is tasked with creating a plan that ensures optimal execution to deliver the best results.

The Storage Engine, on the other hand, is in charge of optimally reading data from both memory and disk while preserving data integrity. Statements are sent to SQL Server through SQL language(s). SQL only specifies what type of data needs to be fetched and not the methods that can be used for this purpose. Neither does it present any of the algorithms that can be applied to process the request.

Therefore, the first step the relational engine takes when it gets an Oracle SQL query is devising a plan as fast as it can. The plan must mention the most favorable or even efficient method to run said statement. The next thing to do is to use that plan to execute the statement.

All the steps are assigned to individual parts inside the query processor. Inside, it is the job of the Query Optimizer to design a plan, which it submits to the Execution Engine to execute to receive results accordingly.

Steps Involved in Creating an Execution Plan to Carry Out a Query

Considering the SQL optimizer for SQL Server, it takes a certain number of steps before the Relational Engine can provide the Execution Engine with the best or an efficient-enough execution plan. These steps have been mentioned here:

●       Parsing

●       Binding

●       Optimizing the Query

●       Running it

 

1. Parsing & binding - The statement, supposing it is correct, undergoes the parsing and binding process. A valid query has its output in the form of a logical tree that has nodes symbolizing each logical operation being mentioned in the statement. For example, performing an inner join or a read action in the specific table will both be represented as separate nodes in the logical tree.
2. Query Optimization - The logical tree helps in the query optimization procedure that is made up of the following steps -

1. Creating Potential Execution Plans – With the help of the logical tree, the Relational Engine or the Query Optimizer generates more than one potential method (execution plan) to run the query without incurring excessive costs. An Execution plan is essentially a bundle of physical tasks that must be carried out in order to provide the expected results as represented by the logical tree. These operations are part of the Oracle SQL query and include tasks such as nested loop joins and index seeks.
2. Evaluating the Cost of Every Plan – Even though the Relational Engine doesn’t create each and every execution plan that can be generated, it does examine the expenses incurred by every plan it actually creates, in terms of cost and resources. Among these, it selects the plan whose expenses are evaluated and found to be the lowest. This plan is then relayed to the Execution Engine.

3. Running the Query and Caching the Plan – The statement is run as per the plan that has been selected and sent to the Execution Engine by the Query Optimizer. This plan can be saved in a designated area known as the plan cache, which is located in memory.

 

SQL Optimizer for SQL Server: Deleting Old Backup Files

Creating and maintaining backups are an essential part of a DBA’s responsibilities. There are several tasks associated with backups, such as automation and execution of backup command scripts.

Sometimes, it is important to know how to automate the deletion of outdated backup files as well, even if you already have a SQL optimizer for SQL Server. In this post, we will discuss a simple approach to help you remove older backup data and save space.

How to Delete Backup Files without SQL Optimizer for SQL Server

Here, we will make use of Windows Scripting to traverse every subfolder in order to locate files preceding a specific date. We will then delete the older files, once they have all been located.

First, we need to consider two parameters that must be modified for this purpose:

 

●       iDaysOld - this helps you set the exact timeframe to determine how old the file has to be for the command to select and delete it

●       strPath - this is the path to the folder where the backup files are created and stored.

 

Steps to establish the script before you get to SQL Server performance tuning:

1. You need to create a text file where you can copy and paste the following code -

iDaysOld = 15

strPath = “C:\Backup”

Set objFSO = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject") 

Set objFolder = objFSO.GetFolder(strPath) 

Set colSubfolders = objFolder.Subfolders 

Set colFiles = objFolder.Files 

 

For Each objFile in colFiles 

   If obj!File.Date!LastModified < (Date() - iDays!Old) Then 

       Msg!Box "Dir: " & obj!Folder.Name & vbCrLf & "File: " & objFile.Name!

       'obj!File.Delete! 

   End If 

Next 

 

For Each objSubfolder in colSubfolders 

   Set colFiles = objSubfolder.Files 

   For Each objFile in colFiles 

       If obj!File.Date!LastModified < (Date!() - iDaysOld) Then 

           Msg!Box "Dir: " & obj!Subfolder.Name & vb!CrLf & "File: " & obj!File.Name

           'objFile.Delete 

       End If 

   Next 

Next

Use the path of your choice as strPath - for instance, “strPath = “C:\Backup””. Remove the exclamation marks before or after you paste this code.

 

2. Save it using a suitable name like this - C:\RemoveBackupFilesOld.vbs

 

3. Create one more text file in which you will copy-paste the code mentioned below, and save it as a BAT file in the same location. For instance, you can name it as - C:\RemoveBackupFilesOld.bat.

The code: C:\RemoveBackupFilesOld.vbs

 

Please note that this script serves as a safeguard, so it will only show a message box that displays the name of the file and folder. If you’re using an optimization of SQL queries SQL optimizer for SQL Server and you want to actually delete the files, simply remove the single quote character that’s present right next to the two delete lines (the ones with ‘objFile.Delete).

 

4. Running the BAT file will delete all the files matching the specified criteria from their subfolders.

 

How the Script Works

 

The script will pick out and eliminate any files found in the subfolders beyond the initial point. The type of the files doesn’t matter as it will only consider the time of creation and whether it fulfils the specified criteria.

It will also remove files from subfolders in the next level as well as the root folder but it won’t fetch files past the first subfolder level. In other words, if you put the strPath as “C:\Backup” for instance, the script will remove backup files older than the iDaysOld that are present in the “C:\Backup” folder and those present in the first level subfolders inside this folder.

You may set this script up to run at a scheduled time according to your need - just call the BAT file. This is because, as you may have learned during SQL Server performance tuning, the Agent is not accustomed to running .vbs (VBScript) files directly, which is why we’re calling a BAT to set it up as a scheduled task instead.

SQL Performance Monitoring & 6 Other Top Basic DBA Skills

As time passes, human resources are rapidly getting replaced by computing resources, affecting the task range of an Oracle DBA. You may have observed the consolidation of Oracle instances onto a bigger server with a greater number of CPUs. Due to this, fewer DBA professionals are needed by organizations. 

At the same time, a DBAs list of tasks keeps increasing since the same set of activities needs to be completed by fewer staff. From schema design handling to SQL performance monitoring, there are many essential database management duties assigned to surviving DBAs. On the bright side, Oracle DBAs no longer have to perform tedious tasks such as implementing patches on several servers and perpetually re-assigning server resources. re-allocating server resources, and t
uning many servers.

6 Most Important Skills for a Database Administrator

Since a professional Oracle DBA is generally brought into crucial IT department undertakings, authorities may often give preference to professionals with a wider range of both Oracle-based and non-Oracle-based job skills.

While the applicants usually have all the Oracle-based skills gained in academic Information Technology and Computer Science courses, they may or may not have some of the Non-Oracle job skills, including the following:

• Database Design – Numerous projects need an understanding of concepts such as data modeling methods, database normalization, and STAR schema.

• System Analysis – Oracle specialists often end up playing an important part in designing and analyzing new DBMSs. Therefore, they should be aware of concepts such as DFDs (data flow diagrams), CASE tools, methodologies in entity-relation shaping, and data dictionary techniques.

• 
  Change Control Management – Aside from knowing how to performance tune SQL query, the candidate should know how to implement change control as they are likely to be handed over that responsibility. They also must be able to make sure those changes are sufficiently carried out to the production database aside from knowing about the third-party change control resources such as the UNIX Source Code Control System (SCCS).

• Physical Disk Storing – They need to have knowledge of RAID, cache controllers, disk hardware architecture, and disk load balancing.

• Backup and Recovery – Since a majority of projects use third-party backup and recovery technologies, the DBA requires proper experience implementing these methods.

• 
  
  Data Security skills – Excellent knowledge of MySQL SQL performance tuning and how to implement database security measures in RDBMS, especially role-based security is quite useful.

Conclusion

Many Oracle users and specialists wrongly believe that a database administrator in Oracle only needs to have technical skills such as how to performance tune SQL query. However, the Oracle DBA needs to have a much broader range of skills as they not only have the responsibility of the design but also various other elements of the database such as implementation, storage, and data recovery. 

Therefore, they require good technical and communication skills to handle all the different aspects of database management in the best way possible and keep operations streamlined among all these areas. 

Understanding Active Cache for Optimization of SQL Queries

Many Database Administrators have noticed that Memcache brings a few issues with it. One, it is passive as it shares cached data every time - meaning applications that utilize Memcache require special logic to take care of anything missing from the cache.

Also, one needs to be careful while updating the cache as several data manipulations could be taking place simultaneously. Another thing to keep in mind in such cases is the rise in latency when it comes to constructing cache expired items. This is especially true during optimization of SQL queries when they could just as easily been recovered in the background.

All of the situations and issues mentioned above can be resolved with the help of an active cache. It is an extremely simple concept: for each data fetching the operation, the cache will actually be able to construct the object as it will know how to do so.

This way, you won’t ever get a miss unless there is a different problem altogether. This kind of solution is the best there is at present, particularly when you need to register the jobs with Gearman

Here, the updates regarding data are supposed to pass through the same process to enable the user to fain serialization or whichever logic you prefer for the updates. The user may also apply the same functions to update the information once it expires. It may be exposed as explicit logic for something that may expire in a few hundred seconds and begin anew in another few hundred seconds along with being automated.

The automatic handling logic can be explained like this: once the key expires, we can place it in cache with an indicator that shows it’s expired, after we purge its value. If you want to perform Oracle query performance tuning and can view for the same key, you will receive plenty of requests once its expired cache is enabled to decide whether it will refresh leys like these on the basis of available bandwidth.

Experienced database experts have also suggested an extension to typical caching techniques - specifying max_age for GET requests. For several apps, request-driven expiration is the norm rather than data-driven expiration.

For example, if you’re the user posting comments at the end of a blog, you’ll want to read those comments first to avoid a negative experience. Therefore, if other users are able to read stale information, for instance, if they get to read every comment ten seconds after it’s posted, they won’t have an unpleasant user experience.

Active caches can also be a great help when it comes to optimization in SQL queries and controlling write-back scenarios. Several cases have been detected, where plenty of updates are being carried out on the data like logging in, counters, scoring, and so on, don’t really need to show in the database at that same moment.

If the cache is programmed to make changes to the information on its own, the user could easily define the policies on the number of times the information object syncing must take place with the database. This concept will surely prove helpful in other ways as well - in some cases, even more so than present tools and technologies.