Lesson 1

Oracle SQL Tuning for the Oracle 23ai RDBMS is the process of optimizing SQL queries to enhance performance, reduce resource consumption, and improve response times in database operations. Oracle 23ai introduces advanced features like AI-driven query optimization, enhanced indexing capabilities, and improved execution plan analysis, which collectively aim to streamline query processing. The tuning process involves analyzing query execution plans, identifying bottlenecks such as full table scans or inefficient joins, and applying techniques like index creation, query rewriting, or partitioning to improve efficiency. Tools like the SQL Tuning Advisor and Automatic Workload Repository (AWR) provide deep insights into query performance, enabling developers to make data-driven optimization decisions.
Key tuning strategies in Oracle 23ai focus on leveraging its new AI and machine learning capabilities, such as the AI Vector Search and automated query rewrite suggestions, to adapt queries dynamically to changing data patterns. For instance, the enhanced SQL Plan Management ensures stable execution plans by automatically selecting the most efficient plan based on historical performance data. Additionally, tuning involves optimizing resource usage through features like In-Memory Column Store, which accelerates analytical queries, and Advanced Compression, which reduces storage demands. Developers must also consider workload characteristics, such as transactional versus analytical queries, to apply appropriate tuning techniques, ensuring the database handles diverse workloads effectively.
Effective SQL tuning in Oracle 23ai requires a combination of proactive monitoring and reactive adjustments. The database’s Diagnostic and Tuning Packs provide real-time performance metrics and recommendations, while features like Real-Time SQL Monitoring allow tracking of long-running queries. Tuning also extends to optimizing database parameters, such as memory allocation and parallel execution settings, to align with workload demands. By integrating these tools and techniques, Oracle 23ai empowers database administrators to maintain high performance, scalability, and reliability, even in complex, data-intensive environments, ultimately reducing latency and enhancing user experience.

Since each course is unique, make sure that you read the course-specific information about what you should expect in this course.

1. This course takes an in-depth look into the concepts and skills you need to tune Oracle with SQL.
2. This course will discuss the broader issues of tuning with SQL
3. The course will delve into tuning with the Optimizers, the Explain Plan Utility, Hints, and other tuning techniques.

After completing this course, you will be able to tune most Oracle SQL and take the actions required to ensure optimal SQL performance.

After completing the course, you will be able to:

1. Define the major features of Oracle SQL
2. Tune using ANSI extensions
3. Tune using the Explain Plan Utility: The "EXPLAIN PLAN" utility is still used in Oracle 23ai to analyze and display the execution plan of SQL statements, helping developers understand how the database will process a query. It remains a core tool for SQL tuning, providing insights into operations like table scans, index usage, and join methods. The utility generates a plan that can be viewed using the `DBMS_XPLAN` package, such as `DBMS_XPLAN.DISPLAY`, which formats the output for readability. However, Oracle 23ai enhances execution plan analysis with advanced tools like the **SQL Tuning Advisor**, **Real-Time SQL Monitoring**, and AI-driven query optimization^[1], which complement EXPLAIN PLAN. These tools offer deeper insights and automated recommendations, but EXPLAIN PLAN remains relevant for manual tuning and understanding query behavior, especially in development and diagnostic scenarios.
4. Understand SQL Optimizer modes
5. Tune using the rule-based optimizer
6. Tune using the cost-based optimizer
7. Tune using SQL hints

Upon completion of this course, you will have the skills required to quickly identify and correct non-optimal SQL.
The five courses in the series allow you to delve in detail into the various concepts that comprise Oracle performance tuning.

1. Performance Tuning Basics
2. Tuning the Oracle Instance
3. Tuning Oracle SQL
4. Backup Recovery Concepts
5. Advanced Oracle Tuning Concepts

In this course, you will learn and practice SQL tuning using the following widgets:

1. Series of Images (A series of images that are automatically displayed in numerical order)
2. Diagrams, (Illustrations, Schematics, Figures, Drawings, which provide additional information)

Tuning Oracle SQL is the third of five courses in the Oracle Performance Tuning Certification Series
Certification Series.

Based on years of designing and performance experience, Oracle has designed a performance methodology. This part describes activities that can dramatically improve system performance and contains the following topics:

1. Understanding Investment Options
2. Understanding Scalability
3. System Architecture
4. Application Design Principles
5. Workload Testing, Modeling, and Implementation
6. Deploying New Applications

The next lesson discusses the prerequisites for the course.

[1] AI-driven query optimization: Within Oracle 23ai, AI-driven query optimization refers to the database's ability to autonomously self-optimize queries and indexing, significantly improving performance without requiring manual tuning. This is achieved by embedding AI capabilities directly into the database, allowing it to predict workload demands, adjust resources, and resolve performance bottlenecks proactively.