Streamlining MySQL Databases by Removing Unnecessary Indexes

Remove an unused Index

Write a MySQL query to drop an index that is no longer needed from the Orders table.

Solution:

-- Remove the index 'idx_customer' from the Orders table.
ALTER TABLE Orders DROP INDEX idx_customer;

Explanation:

• Purpose of the Query:
• To eliminate an index that is redundant or no longer improves query performance.
• Helps in reducing storage overhead and maintenance cost.
• Key Components:
• ALTER TABLE Orders : Specifies the table to be modified.
• DROP INDEX idx_customer : Removes the index named idx_customer.
• Real-World Application:
• Important during database optimization and cleanup processes to remove unnecessary indexes.

Notes:

• Always verify the index usage before dropping it to avoid negative performance impacts.
• Consider the potential impact on queries that might rely on the dropped index.

For more Practice: Solve these Related Problems:

• Write a MySQL query to drop an index named `idx_product_name` from the Products table.
• Write a MySQL query to drop an index named `idx_order_date` from the Orders table.
• Write a MySQL query to drop an index named `idx_user_email` from the Users table.
• Write a MySQL query to drop an index named `idx_category_id` from the Products table.

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Previous MySQL Exercise: Optimize Query with WHERE Clause using Indexed Column.
Next MySQL Exercise: Create a Composite Index for Enhanced Performance.