Database Management · Advanced level

Advanced level · Module 6: Database Capstone · Lesson 3 of 5

Performance Evidence

Load realistic volumes, measure the main queries and tune them to meet the targets.

In this lesson you will

  • Generate realistic data volumes
  • Tune queries to targets with documented evidence

Key concepts

data generationworkloadEXPLAIN ANALYZEperformance report

The lesson

Generate data at the expected scale — for example five years of visits across all clinics — so measurements are realistic.

Measure the main queries and reports with EXPLAIN ANALYZE and timings, tune indexes and queries, and measure again.

Write the performance report: queries, targets, before and after, and any trade-offs such as extra indexes slowing inserts.

Step by step

  1. Generate realistic data volumes.
  2. Measure the key queries.
  3. Tune and remeasure.
  4. Write the performance report.

Practice activity

Complete milestone 3: the performance report.

Expected result: Each key query meets its target or has a documented explanation.

Check your understanding

  1. Why test with realistic data volumes?

    Show answer

    Small data sets hide performance problems.

  2. What trade-off can extra indexes create?

    Show answer

    Slower inserts and updates and more storage.

Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.