Measure Real-Time Performance of a SELECT Query

Analyzing Actual Query Performance with EXPLAIN ANALYZE

Write a PostgreSQL query to execute a SELECT query and measure its actual runtime using EXPLAIN ANALYZE.

Solution:

-- Specify the action to execute and analyze the query plan with actual runtime.
EXPLAIN ANALYZE 
-- Define the query to be executed and analyzed.
SELECT * FROM Employees 
-- Add a condition to filter rows in the query.
WHERE department = 'Sales';

Explanation:

• Purpose of the Query:
• To obtain both the planned and actual execution details of a SELECT query.
• This helps in identifying any discrepancies between estimated and real performance.
• Key Components:
• EXPLAIN ANALYZE : Runs the query and displays runtime statistics along with the plan.
• WHERE department = 'Sales' : Filters data to potentially utilize indexes.
• Real-World Application:
• Ideal for performance tuning in production environments where precise metrics are needed.

Notes:

• Running EXPLAIN ANALYZE executes the query, so use it with caution on large datasets.

For more Practice: Solve these Related Problems:

• Write a PostgreSQL query using EXPLAIN ANALYZE to measure the runtime of a SELECT query filtering by "status" in the "Orders" table.
• Write a PostgreSQL query using EXPLAIN ANALYZE to analyze a SELECT query with a JOIN between "Employees" and "Departments".
• Write a PostgreSQL query using EXPLAIN ANALYZE to evaluate the performance of a SELECT query with a GROUP BY clause on the "Sales" table.
• Write a PostgreSQL query using EXPLAIN ANALYZE to assess a SELECT query with a subquery in the WHERE clause on the "Products" table.

Go to:

• Unlock Performance Insights with EXPLAIN and ANALYZE Exercises Home. ↩
• PostgreSQL Exercises Home ↩

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