Oracle database administrators often get calls from employees complaining their batch jobs on their computers are running too slow. As a result, they cannot finish certain tasks like preparing customers’ invoices, or input customer data on time.
Even managers in-charge of operating online e-commerce sites using SQL servers find Internet users choosing to browse other websites as their sites are slow. This is because the pages they want to visit is taking too long to refresh. It is then up to these IT professionals to determine the root cause of this problem.
Only then can they find a viable solution to fix the slow-performing Oracle database. This is known as troubleshooting.
What are the main causes of a slow-performing Oracle database?
SQL consultants state database administrators need to look into many areas when determining the root cause of Oracle database performance issues. Only then can they find a suitable solution to these problems. These specialists go on to point out the following 5 main causes for Oracle database performance issues:
Missing indexes
Issues relating to disk performance and other similar deadlocks occur because the operators may have missing indexes. There are several ways for Oracle database administrators to determine whether missing indexes are the root cause for slow performance.
They can opt for use- specific queries such as ‘Listing’ or dynamic management functions. Taking these steps can help the database administrators determine what indexes they need to create to improve the Oracle database performance.
Improper index design
Improper index design for creating specific tables in an Oracle database may result in the slow running of certain queries. Fortunately, there is an easy way for database administrators to identify this particular issue. They should type in a suitable query that searches the procedure cache.
All SQL queries remain in this storage area until they are ready for execution if there is adequate memory. Only then can we find a viable solution to the problem.
Improper design for a certain database scheme
An improper design for a particular database scheme is one of the main reasons for slow database performance. Oracle database administrators can easily identify this problem by reviewing input-output requests when running certain queries.
For this, they should opt to use the Server Profiler of SQL to determine the queries with the highest input-output load. Then they should execute these queries using SSMS and SET STATISTIC input-output to determine which database table is having performance issues.
Not enough input-output subsystem storage
Inadequate storage space in the input-output subsystem is another common problem that can hamper the performance of an Oracle database. This is why it is important for database administrators to review the ERRORLOG file of the SQL server regularly.
If these Oracle database professionals looking for a message in the ERRORLOG file stating a slow input-output,then they will get to know that there is something is wrong with the subsystem.Only then can database administrators come up with a suitable solution.
Slow network
A slow network connecting the SQL server to the clients’ computer system can also adversely affect an Oracle database performance. Database administrators can easily identify this issue by browsing through the system’s statistics.
They just have to type in the ASYNC_NETWORK_IO query in the Oracle database and wait for the results. Only then can they assess whether the network is covering the SQL server, and clients’ IT infrastructure is having performance issues.
How can database administrators enhance an Oracle database performance?
Experts specializing in Oracle DBA consulting services further explain that it is possible for database administrators to enhance the performance of their Oracle database. For this, they should consider the following 4 troubleshooting tips:
#1. Resort to tuning the SQL server
SQL queries that operators have not written properly can adversely affect the performance of an Oracle database. Fortunately, Oracle has a number of tools that allow database administrators to resolve the issue without any difficulty.
One of these tools is Query Optimizer, which has a SQL tuning feature. Using this option, these IT professionals can get the SQL server up and running within a short period. In the process, they can even boost the performance of the Oracle database.
#2. Assess table management and take a step to improve it
Table management is another area where Oracle database administrators need to focus their attention.These IT professionals should resort to table partitioning to split large tables in complex databases into smaller ones. Taking this step can improve the overall performance of the Oracle database.
This is because the SQL server can easily identify these smaller tables while processing numerous queries at the same time. This is known as ‘partition pruning.’
#3. Redesign database input-output disk storage features
If the software applicationsare not causing any problems, the Oracle database administrators review the disk-based storage facility. In many cases, managers and employees tend to distribute their data files into several physical disks.
This can have an adverse effect on the overall performance of the Oracle database. When configuring the disk architecture of the server, database administrators should review I/O bandwidth rather than just the disk space.
#4. Review statistics
Migration issues can also result in poor Oracle database performance. Any table schema needs to pass from the development environment to the production phase. If this is not the case, essential database parameters like indexes and statistics can disappear.
Then it becomes difficult for the database to create proper execution plans to process queries. Fortunately, Oracle database administrators can avoid these situations by opting to use Oracle’s DBMS_STATS feature to export schema statistics.
Poor Oracle database performance can severely disrupt the commercial operations of companies. Managers and employees of these businesses will not be able to discharge their responsibilities properly. Oracle database administrators need to identify the root causes of performance issues to get the SQL servers operating smoothly again.
These problems may result from missing indexes, inadequate input-output subsystem storage, improper index design, or slow networks. Fortunately, these IT professionals resolve these issues within a short time with intelligent analytics and SQL server troubleshooting on time.
Kristen Smith is a social media manager at blast up who has worked as a database administrator in the IT industry and has written numerous articles and blog posts on topics related to DBA services for small businesses. Learn more about hiring the best experts at Oracle DBA consulting services. She loves to travel, write and play baseball.
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