This hands-on course focuses on tuning SQL performance specifically within Oracle 18c. Over two days, you’ll explore practical techniques for optimising SQL statements, managing indexes, interpreting execution plans, and using Oracle tools to identify and resolve performance issues in real-world environments.
Oracle 18c SQL Performance Tuning
Optimising SQL performance tuning in Oracle
This course explores the key principles of Oracle SQL performance tuning, helping you make instant improvements to app performance. Through expert-led instruction and live lab work, you’ll learn how to manage statistics, use tuning tools and optimise SQL statements like a pro.
Learning objectives
- Analyse SQL execution plans
- Use SQL Tuning Advisor effectively
- Optimise SQL queries for performance
- Manage and interpret SQL trace output
- Create and maintain indexes
- Identify inefficient SQL statements
- Influence execution with hints
- Apply Oracle optimiser strategies
- Monitor SQL performance metrics
- Evaluate join and sort operations
What you’ll learn
This course gives you the practical skills to enhance query efficiency in Oracle 18c. You’ll explore techniques to uncover and fix performance issues, adjust data access strategies, and use built-in tools, building confidence to troubleshoot and optimise real-world database environments.
SQL tuning tools
We’ll look at how to assess SQL performance using key tools like EXPLAIN PLAN, Autotrace and SQL Trace. These techniques help you uncover how the database executes your SQL, showing inefficiencies and helping you diagnose problems. You'll also work with the SQL Tuning Advisor in Oracle SQL Developer, making evidence-based recommendations to improve execution plans. This hands-on insight allows you to quickly identify and resolve bottlenecks, saving time and resources when tuning both new and existing apps.
The SQL Optimiser
The course takes you deep into the workings of the Oracle SQL Optimiser. You’ll understand how the Cost-Based Optimiser chooses execution paths based on statistics and how you can influence those decisions. Learn to manage statistics with DBMS_STATS and handle more advanced scenarios involving dynamic statistics and adaptive optimisation. You’ll also explore how transformations impact performance and how the Optimiser behaves across Oracle versions. This understanding gives you the confidence to write better SQL and interpret why queries perform the way they do.
Indexes and access paths
You’ll explore how indexes influence performance, including how to design and use different index types such as B*Tree, Bitmap and function-based indexes. The course explains how the Optimiser chooses whether to use an index and what prevents it from doing so. You’ll investigate real examples where indexes help, or hinder, performance, and learn how to spot unused or inefficient ones. This knowledge helps you make better decisions when tuning queries and building applications that scale efficiently under load.
What’s included
- Two days of instructor-led training in a live virtual classroom
- Interactive hands-on live labs
- All relevant course materials
- Certificate of attendance
Key facts
Ideal for
SQL developers, app designers and tech professionals working with Oracle who need to evaluate and improve SQL query performance.
Prerequisites
A working knowledge of SQL is essential. If you're new to Oracle or need a refresher, consider taking our Oracle SQL and Oracle SQL Advanced courses first.
Learning experience
Our experienced trainers and interactive labs create a focused, practical environment – so you can put theory into practice from day one.
FAQs
This focused, two-day course teaches you how to analyse, optimise and tune SQL performance in Oracle. You’ll build up practical skills using real tools, making instant improvements to query efficiency and execution.
What is SQL performance tuning in Oracle 18c?
SQL performance tuning in Oracle 18c is the process of improving how queries run by identifying inefficiencies and making changes to enhance speed and reduce resource use. This can involve rewriting queries, adjusting indexes, and using Oracle’s tuning tools to improve overall system responsiveness.
What tools are used to analyse SQL performance in Oracle 18c?
Key tools include Explain Plan, Autotrace, SQL Trace, and the SQL Tuning Advisor. These help developers and DBAs understand how a SQL statement is executed, where delays occur, and what changes can be made to improve performance and reduce system load.
How can I identify slow-running SQL queries?
Slow queries can be identified using performance diagnostics such as SQL Trace, Autotrace, and execution plans. These tools provide detailed insight into processing steps, resource usage, and bottlenecks, making it easier to pinpoint and resolve issues that impact performance.
Can I run this course for my team?
Yes, you can run this as an in-house course. If you’ve got a few people who need this training, we can run it as a closed session just for your team, either online or at a venue that works for you. We can even tweak the course to match the systems and challenges your team’s working with. It’s a great way to build confidence, fix real issues and get everyone on the same page with performance tuning.
What our customers say
‘The lecturer was amazing - so passionate and knowledgeable, which made the sessions really enjoyable and easy to follow. I learned a lot and felt supported throughout. I would definitely consider returning for future sessions and highly recommend StayAhead training to my colleagues.’
Kamila, Data Administrator - Retail / Hire
‘Really informative course, structured to support all forms of learning and at a good pace.’
Owen, Graduate Trainee Engineer - Utilities
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