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Optimize Query Performance with SQL Denormalization


Denormalizing for Performance Optimization

Write a SQL query to denormalize a database for improved query performance.

Solution:

-- Normalized tables.
CREATE TABLE Customers (
    CustomerID INT PRIMARY KEY,
    CustomerName VARCHAR(100)
);

CREATE TABLE Orders (
    OrderID INT PRIMARY KEY,
    CustomerID INT,
    OrderDate DATE,
    FOREIGN KEY (CustomerID) REFERENCES Customers(CustomerID)
);

-- Denormalized table for faster reporting.
CREATE TABLE CustomerOrders_Denormalized AS
SELECT o.OrderID, c.CustomerName, o.OrderDate
FROM Orders o
JOIN Customers c ON o.CustomerID = c.CustomerID;

Explanation:

  • Purpose of the Query :
    • The goal is to denormalize a database to improve query performance for reporting purposes.
  • Key Components :
    • CustomerOrders_Denormalized: Combines customer and order details into a single table.
    • Reduces the need for joins during reporting queries.
  • Why Denormalize? :
    • Denormalization improves read performance by reducing the number of joins.
    • It is useful for read-heavy workloads like dashboards.
  • Real-World Application :
    • In analytics systems, denormalized tables speed up complex reports.

Notes:

  • Denormalization increases storage requirements and update complexity.
  • Use it sparingly and only for specific use cases.
  • Important Considerations:
    • Maintain synchronization between normalized and denormalized tables.

For more Practice: Solve these Related Problems:

  • Write a SQL query to denormalize a database by combining customer and order details into a single table for faster reporting.
  • Write a SQL query to create a denormalized table for a dashboard displaying product sales and customer feedback.
  • Write a SQL query to denormalize a database by merging supplier and product details for improved query performance.
  • Write a SQL query to design a denormalized table for a report showing employee performance and department metrics.


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Previous SQL Exercise: Designing a Junction Table for Many-to-Many Relationships.
Next SQL Exercise: Designing a Surrogate Key for Entity Identification.

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