8 Database Tuning Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Benjamin Nevarez draws from his extensive experience as a database professional and author to dissect Microsoft SQL Server 2022's query optimization intricacies. You’ll explore how the query optimizer works internally, learn to identify cardinality estimation errors, and master techniques like using the Query Store and columnstore indexes for performance gains. Detailed chapters cover troubleshooting with extended events and dynamic management views, giving you tools to diagnose and fix slow queries. This book suits SQL Server developers, DBAs, and architects aiming to elevate their ability to speed up queries and optimize applications effectively.

Drawing from over three decades in IT support, development, and database administration, Grant Fritchey brings a deeply informed perspective to SQL Server performance tuning. His book walks you through the nuances of query optimization, including navigating the complexities of cardinality estimation and adaptive execution plans introduced in recent SQL Server versions. You'll learn how to leverage new tools like Query Store and automated tuning features in Azure to troubleshoot and enhance query performance effectively. This is particularly useful if you manage SQL Server environments from 2012 through 2022 and want a detailed understanding of both legacy and modern performance tuning techniques.

This tailored book explores the art and science of database tuning with a focus on query optimization, indexing, and diagnostics. It examines how these elements interact to impact database performance and offers a learning experience finely tuned to your background and goals. By focusing on your specific interests and existing knowledge, this personalized guide reveals the nuances of diagnosing performance bottlenecks and mastering index design to unlock efficient query execution. With a detailed yet accessible approach, the book covers critical topics like execution plan analysis, statistics maintenance, and tuning techniques that align intimately with your unique challenges. This tailored journey helps you deepen your understanding and sharpen your skills in database tuning without wading through irrelevant content.

Grant Fritchey's extensive two decades in IT, spanning technical support, development, and database administration, shape this detailed guide on SQL Server 2017 performance. You’ll explore how to use Query Store for tracking query behavior, identify bottlenecks, and apply both quick fixes and long-term solutions to optimize T-SQL queries. The book delves into advanced topics like adaptive execution plans and automated tuning on Azure SQL Database, with practical chapters on establishing performance baselines using Performance Monitor and Extended Events. If you’re responsible for SQL Server application performance, this resource helps you proactively manage and improve query efficiency rather than just reacting to issues.

What started as Markus Winand's extensive work improving database efficiency evolved into this focused guide on SQL performance. You’ll learn to navigate the complexities of writing efficient SQL queries across major databases like Oracle, MySQL, and PostgreSQL. The book delves into multi-column indexes, optimizing joins, and the pitfalls of ORMs such as Hibernate, giving you concrete techniques to enhance your database’s responsiveness. Whether you're dealing with pagination or clustering data, it offers precise insights that benefit developers eager to master SQL beyond surface-level tuning.

Jesper Wisborg Krogh's years of hands-on experience with MySQL databases come through clearly in this detailed guide to query performance tuning. You learn concrete skills like monitoring execution times, selecting queries to optimize for maximum impact, and using advanced tools such as EXPLAIN ANALYZE and Visual Explain to decode query plans. The book also covers indexing strategies, histograms for skewed data, and lock analysis, giving you a toolkit to troubleshoot and speed up your database operations. If you're a MySQL developer or database administrator looking to integrate query tuning into your workflow, this book offers a structured, methodical path to making your queries run noticeably faster.

This tailored book explores the critical realm of database tuning through a focused 30-day plan designed to boost your system's performance. It examines practical tuning actions alongside essential monitoring techniques, providing a clear pathway that matches your background and specific goals. By concentrating on what truly impacts query speed, index efficiency, and system responsiveness, it reveals how to effectively apply tuning with a personalized approach. This book bridges expert knowledge with your unique needs, making the learning experience efficient and relevant. It dives into core concepts and advanced details, ensuring you gain hands-on experience and a thorough understanding throughout the process.

Kevin Meade brings over three decades of hands-on experience as a Senior Database Administrator to this detailed exploration of Oracle SQL tuning. Instead of quick fixes, he lays out a methodical approach centered on understanding cardinalities and their impact on query performance, explaining concepts like Driving Table identification, Join Order, and Cardinality Divergence with clarity. You’ll get practical insight into analyzing execution plans, using hints effectively, and managing statistics issues like staleness or skew. This book suits Oracle DBAs and developers eager to deepen their SQL tuning skills beyond surface-level tips and become the go-to expert in their organizations.

Gregory Smith draws on two decades of deep experience with PostgreSQL to tackle the common performance challenges that developers and DBAs face as their systems scale. You’ll learn how to optimize from hardware choices to query tuning, with practical guidance on monitoring tools and configuration tweaks that can prevent bottlenecks before they arise. The book’s examples range from building experimental databases to applying lessons directly in production environments, making it a solid fit if you’re responsible for managing or improving PostgreSQL performance. While it covers versions 8.1 through 9.0, many techniques remain relevant for understanding core database behavior and tuning fundamentals.

When Roland Wenzlofsky and Artemios Vogiatzis wrote this guide, they drew from decades of hands-on experience optimizing Teradata systems. You get detailed insights on how to harness Teradata's parallel processing strengths, from architecture nuances to fine-tuning SQL queries and execution plans. Chapters cover practical ways to transform sluggish queries and batch jobs into efficient operations that meet tight service level agreements. If you work directly with Teradata databases—whether as a developer, administrator, or designer—this book offers focused techniques to sharpen your skills and elevate your projects.