MySQL has two ways to find tune execution of particular query. First is MySQL Hints, such as SQL_BIG_RESULT, STRAIGHT_JOIN, FORCE INDEX etc. You place these directly into the query to change how query is executed for example SELECT STRAIGHT_JOIN * FROM A FORCE INDEX(A) JOIN B The other part is session variable. If you know [...]
Are PHP persistent connections evil ?
As you probably know PHP “mysql” extension supported persistent connections but they were disabled in new “mysqli” extension, which is probably one of the reasons some people delay migration to this extension. The reason behind using persistent connections is of course reducing number of connects which are rather expensive, even though they are much faster [...]
What to tune in MySQL Server after installation
My favorite question during Interview for people to work as MySQL DBAs or be involved with MySQL Performance in some way is to ask them what should be tuned in MySQL Server straight after installation, assuming it was installed with default settings. I’m surprised how many people fail to provide any reasonable answer to this [...]
MySQL Server Memory Usage
Every so often people ask me the question how should they estimate memory consumption by MySQL Server in given configuration. What is the formula they could use. The reasons to worry about memory usage are quite understandable. If you configure MySQL Server so it uses too small amount of memory it will likey perform suboptimally. [...]

