I’ve always been scared of SQL…

…until I wasn’t anymore.

Jun 05, 2024

How did that happen?

I guess I kept learning more and more about it. I had no choice. When you get a task that deals with the database and SQL, you just have to dive in, find a way and solve your issue.

So I did just that: I solved my issue. Then I got a new task, and moved on.

Until I randomly came across an article, explaining the process and mechanisms involved when a SQL command is executed.

And it blew my mind.

What I learned:

Journey of a SQL Statement:
The execution of a SQL statement involves several stages:
- SQL Parser: Breaks down and verifies the SQL query.
- Query Optimizer: Determines the most efficient way to execute the query.
- Execution Engine: Carries out the query according to the plan.
- Storage Engine: Manages data storage and retrieval. For example, in MySQL, this could be the InnoDB or MyISAM engines.
Optimization and Performance:
By understanding these components, we can:
- Enhance query performance through a better understanding of data indexing and storage.
- Choose effective indexing strategies.
- Manage resources more efficiently (e.g., memory, caching, execution parallelism).
- Diagnose and mitigate performance bottlenecks.

Wait….does that sound familiar? Parser, optimizing, storage….
We’re just in another system, this is a piece of software! Like the ones I work on.
I know, I know, this may seem obvious to some people, but it just never occurred to me. In my mind SQL was that black box of who-knows-what-happens-in-there.
Anyway…

Not scared anymore!

I even got some practice in and put together a nice materialized view (remember that task I had to work on? It took me 2 days to pin down the correct query, but that’s another story).
I still need to practice the optimization and performance piece, but now it’s on my radar.

Thank you for reading!
Adeline.