8 Next-Gen Query Performance Books Defining 2025

Discover 8 new Query Performance books authored by leading experts, offering fresh insights and methodologies shaping 2025 database optimization.

Updated on June 28, 2025
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The Query Performance landscape changed dramatically in 2024, with new database engines and optimization techniques pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. As data volume and complexity grow, the need to write faster, more efficient queries has never been greater. This surge in innovation has sparked a wave of fresh publications that explore modern solutions to longstanding performance challenges, helping you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field.

These 8 new books are authored by professionals deeply embedded in database communities and industry practice, such as Mark Lorenz’s detailed PostgreSQL tutorials and Menno de Laat’s practical SQL speed improvements. Their works provide a blend of theory and hands-on strategies, reflecting the latest trends and research shaping query performance today.

While these books provide essential 2025 insights, readers aiming for tailored learning experiences can consider creating a personalized Query Performance book that aligns with their specific skill levels and goals. This approach builds on current knowledge and emerging trends to craft a uniquely relevant resource.

Best for mastering advanced PostgreSQL techniques
Mark Lorenz’s Advanced PostgreSQL Querying stands out by focusing on the latest capabilities of PostgreSQL up to version 12, offering more than 60 in-depth tutorials that go beyond basic querying. This book demystifies advanced functions and techniques, such as window functions and CTEs, providing developers with practical examples to enhance query speed and clarity. It's designed for those ready to move past foundational SQL and dive into the nuances of PostgreSQL’s powerful features, making it a valuable resource for developers aiming to optimize performance in complex database environments.
2024·307 pages·Query Performance, PostgreSQL, Database, Window Functions, Common Table Expressions

Mark Lorenz, through his extensive expertise with PostgreSQL, crafted this book to address the gap between basic SQL knowledge and mastering the complex features that drive efficient querying in large-scale databases. You’ll explore over 60 tutorials that dive into advanced PostgreSQL functionalities, such as window functions, Common Table Expressions (CTEs), and JSON operations, equipping you with methods to write leaner, more performant queries. This book suits developers who already understand SQL fundamentals but want to elevate their skills by learning how to leverage PostgreSQL’s built-in capabilities to optimize both query elegance and speed. For example, chapters detail the nuances of date and time functions, enabling you to handle temporal data with precision.

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Best for boosting SQL efficiency in data analysis
Menno de Laat's "SQL Query Optimization: Improving Speed And Efficiency In Data Analysis" breaks down the often complex task of making SQL queries run faster and more efficiently. This book covers the latest insights in query performance, helping you understand execution plans, tackle bottlenecks, and use indexes strategically. Whether you're new to SQL or looking to refine your approach, this guide offers practical techniques and real-world examples designed to enhance your data analysis speed and effectiveness, making it a valuable resource for anyone working with databases in 2025.
2024·68 pages·Query Performance, SQL Optimization, Data Analysis, Execution Plans, Performance Bottlenecks

Drawing from his deep understanding of SQL and data analysis, Menno de Laat offers a focused exploration of query optimization techniques tailored for today's data demands. You’ll gain clear insights into reading execution plans, pinpointing bottlenecks, and crafting more efficient queries that can drastically reduce wait times. The book doesn’t just skim theory; it dives into practical examples that clarify how indexes and advanced methods can speed up your work. It’s a solid pick if you want to sharpen your SQL skills and make your data analysis processes leaner, whether you’re just starting out or already comfortable with SQL.

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Best for rapid query tuning
This AI-created book on query optimization is tailored to your skill level and specific interests in the latest 2025 advancements. You share your background and the particular query performance topics you want to explore, and the book is crafted to focus on those. This personalized approach helps you navigate emerging techniques and discoveries efficiently, making it easier to stay ahead without wading through unrelated material. It’s designed to give you exactly what you need to boost query speed in today’s evolving data landscape.
2025·50-300 pages·Query Performance, Database Engines, SQL Optimization, Execution Plans, Indexing Techniques

This tailored book explores the latest breakthroughs in query speed advancements emerging in 2025. It delves into the newest techniques and research discoveries that are reshaping query performance, focusing on innovations that matter most to your unique interests and expertise. By concentrating on topics relevant to your background, it reveals fresh insights and evolving methods that keep you at the forefront of database optimization. Designed to match your specific goals, this personalized guide examines cutting-edge developments and practical examples to enhance your understanding and application of modern query acceleration methods. It offers an engaging learning experience that aligns directly with your pursuit of faster, more efficient queries in today’s dynamic data environments.

Tailored Content
Performance Breakthroughs
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for practical SQL tuning strategies
Jean Sturm’s book stands out by focusing on the latest and proven strategies to boost SQL query efficiency. It covers a spectrum from foundational indexing to advanced topics like parallel processing and caching, providing clear frameworks for diagnosing and resolving common performance issues. Whether you're managing a small application or a large enterprise database, this guide offers practical insights to help you fine-tune your SQL queries and improve overall system responsiveness, making it a valuable addition for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of query performance.
2024·109 pages·Database Performance Tuning, Query Performance, SQL Optimization, Indexing Strategies, Execution Plans

Jean Sturm’s approach in this book is rooted in clear, methodical strategies that address the practical challenges of SQL query optimization. You’ll find detailed explanations on interpreting query execution plans and how to spot performance bottlenecks, alongside actionable techniques like indexing and parallel processing. The chapters unfold with real examples that show you how to improve database responsiveness, which is especially useful if you manage complex or large-scale data environments. This book suits both newcomers aiming to grasp SQL performance basics and seasoned developers looking to refine their tuning skills, offering a balanced mix of foundational concepts and advanced tactics.

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Best for WordPress users optimizing MySQL
MySQL Queries: 30-Day Crash Course for WordPress offers a focused dive into the latest techniques for managing and optimizing WordPress databases with MySQL. Maxwell Williams’s approach guides you through foundational concepts to advanced query crafting, all tailored for WordPress users who want to unlock their site’s full potential. This book addresses common bottlenecks and security concerns, making it a practical tool for website owners, marketers, and freelancers eager to harness data insights and boost performance. Its clear structure and real-world examples make complex database tasks more accessible and manageable.
2024·172 pages·Query Performance, Database Management, MySQL Basics, Data Manipulation, Performance Optimization

What started as a frustration with managing WordPress databases became Maxwell Williams's 30-day guide that demystifies MySQL queries for non-developers. You’ll learn to navigate your WordPress database structure, craft precise SELECT statements, and optimize performance with practical examples tailored to real website scenarios. The book goes beyond basics, covering advanced JOINs, subqueries, and crucial security practices, making it a solid choice if you want to take control of your site’s data without relying on developers. If you’re looking for a clear path to mastering database queries specifically for WordPress, this book delivers what you need without fluff.

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Best for deep PostgreSQL query improvements
Henrietta Dombrovskaya brings over 40 years of academic and industrial expertise to this volume, drawing from her role as Database Architect at DRW Holdings and active participation in the PostgreSQL community. Her deep understanding of database interactions and commitment to bridging theory with practice shape a resource that helps you grasp PostgreSQL query optimization from the ground up. This book reflects her ongoing engagement with the latest PostgreSQL developments and her passion for empowering professionals to write faster, more reliable queries.
PostgreSQL Query Optimization: The Ultimate Guide to Building Efficient Queries book cover

by Henrietta Dombrovskaya, Database expert, Anna Bailliekova··You?

After decades immersed in database research and development, Henrietta Dombrovskaya crafted this book to demystify the process of writing efficient PostgreSQL queries. You’ll learn to think from the database engine’s perspective, mastering how to interpret execution plans and apply targeted optimization techniques like index usage and join strategies. The book takes you through performance measurement, setting concrete goals, and avoiding common pitfalls in object-relational mappers, culminating in guidance on optimizing entire applications. If you’re involved with PostgreSQL development or administration, this volume offers you practical insights grounded in real-world experience to boost your query performance.

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Best for custom query tuning plans
This AI-created book on cloud query optimization is crafted based on your experience and focus areas. You share your familiarity with Amazon Redshift and RDS, plus the optimization topics you want to explore, and your specific goals. The book then provides tailored guidance that dives into the latest 2025 discoveries, helping you sharpen your skills and stay at the forefront of cloud database performance.
2025·50-300 pages·Query Performance, Cloud Databases, Query Optimization, Amazon Redshift, Amazon RDS

This tailored book explores the latest developments in cloud database query optimization, focusing on Amazon Redshift and RDS environments. It examines how to enhance query performance by diving into the newest techniques and discoveries from 2025, matching your background and addressing your specific goals. The content reveals practical aspects of query tuning, data distribution, and resource management in cloud-based databases, providing a focused learning experience that keeps you ahead in this rapidly evolving field. By concentrating on your interests, this personalized guide helps you master query efficiency in complex cloud architectures with clarity and precision, ensuring relevance and depth.

AI-Tailored
Cloud Performance Insights
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for cross-platform database tuning
High Performance Database Tuning & Optimization offers a clear, practical approach to mastering the complexities of database performance across popular platforms like Oracle and PostgreSQL. This book addresses modern demands, including cloud computing and AI, with focused chapters on query optimization and monitoring that equip you to keep your databases running efficiently. Whether you're a database administrator, developer, or IT manager, it provides strategies to improve responsiveness and reliability that align with today’s evolving software landscape.

Marek Kos draws on extensive experience managing diverse database systems to deliver a focused guide on database performance tuning that cuts through jargon to essentials. You learn how to optimize queries across major platforms like Oracle, MySQL, and MongoDB, with chapters dedicated to monitoring techniques and tuning strategies that address real challenges in environments from cloud computing to AI applications. This book suits database administrators sharpening their tuning skills, developers aiming to boost app responsiveness, and IT leaders seeking to improve infrastructure efficiency. It’s a solid technical reference that balances foundational principles with actionable insight, though those not involved with database operations might find the depth overwhelming.

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Best for optimizing Amazon Redshift queries
Solving Amazon Redshift Query Performance Bottlenecks offers a focused exploration of the latest challenges and solutions in managing query speed within Amazon Redshift. This guide unpacks the architecture behind Redshift and spotlights emerging strategies to detect and fix performance issues that can cripple data workflows. Its approachable style makes it a valuable resource for those looking to stay current with new developments in query performance optimization. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned DBA, the book’s actionable frameworks help you tackle bottlenecks and improve your database’s responsiveness effectively.
2023·43 pages·Query Performance, Amazon Redshift, Redshift, Data Distribution, Performance Monitoring

After years working closely with data systems, Felicity Phillips distilled her deep technical knowledge into this focused guide on Amazon Redshift query performance. You’ll find clear explanations of Redshift architecture and how it impacts query bottlenecks, along with practical tools to identify and diagnose those slowdowns. For example, she breaks down queue configurations and data distribution strategies in accessible terms, making complex concepts manageable for both newcomers and experienced DBAs. If you manage Redshift environments or want to sharpen your troubleshooting skills, this concise report offers targeted insights without unnecessary jargon.

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Best for enhancing Amazon RDS query speed
Malcolm Clements is an experienced IT professional with a deep understanding of Amazon's RDS. His expertise drives this report, offering you clear insights into diagnosing and improving slow query performance. The book’s focus on practical approaches and performance insights makes it a valuable tool for anyone managing RDS environments looking to streamline their data operations.
Tackling RDS Slow Query Performance book cover

by Malcolm Clements··You?

2023·44 pages·Query Performance, Amazon RDS, Performance Metrics, Query Optimization, Application Design

Malcolm Clements draws on his extensive IT experience with Amazon's RDS to dissect the root causes of slow query performance and how to address them effectively. You’ll gain a detailed understanding of RDS operations, performance metrics, and both manual and automated tuning strategies, all explained in accessible language. Chapters on real-world case studies and application design best practices provide concrete examples you can apply directly. This book suits professionals aiming to sharpen their database optimization skills and those managing enterprise data systems who need to diagnose and improve sluggish queries without wading through overly technical jargon.

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Conclusion

Examining these 8 titles reveals clear themes: the rise of PostgreSQL as a powerhouse for advanced queries, the growing emphasis on cloud-based systems like Amazon Redshift and RDS, and the continued importance of fundamental SQL tuning techniques. Together, they paint a picture of a field balancing deep technical mastery with practical cloud optimizations.

If you want to stay ahead of trends or the latest research, start with "Advanced PostgreSQL Querying" and "SQL Query Optimization" for foundational and advanced concepts. For cutting-edge implementation in cloud environments, combine "Solving Amazon Redshift Query Performance Bottlenecks" with "Tackling RDS Slow Query Performance" to sharpen your cloud database skills.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Query Performance book to apply these newest strategies and insights directly to your unique environment and challenges. These books offer the most current 2025 perspectives and can help you stay ahead of the curve.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "SQL Query Optimization" for clear, practical techniques that suit both beginners and experienced users. It lays a solid foundation before you dive into more specialized topics like PostgreSQL or cloud databases.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Query Performance?

Not at all. Books like "MySQL Queries" offer accessible entry points, while others gradually build complexity. You can pick based on your current skill level and grow from there.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with general optimization guides such as "SQL Performance Tuning," then explore specific platforms like PostgreSQL or Amazon Redshift to deepen your expertise.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick based on your focus area. For example, if you work with PostgreSQL, prioritize books by Mark Lorenz or Henrietta Dombrovskaya; for cloud databases, consider Redshift or RDS titles.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

"Advanced PostgreSQL Querying" balances theory with tutorials, while "Solving Amazon Redshift Query Performance Bottlenecks" and "Tackling RDS Slow Query Performance" lean heavily toward practical troubleshooting.

Can I get tailored insights beyond these books?

Yes! While these expert books cover broad and deep topics, creating a personalized Query Performance book lets you focus on your specific needs, combining expert knowledge with up-to-date strategies customized for you.

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