Back to basics: SQL Parsing - the silent database killer

The Spoken Nerd

Parsing is the act of preparing to execute a SQL statement on your database. It would seem to be a necessary activity - after all, that is what databases are designed to do - execute SQL. But the topic of parsing requires a more nuanced look, because a high transaction frequency database typically succeeds or fails based the amount of SQL parsing it does.

In this episode, I'll take you on a trip down memory lane on how slow servers used to be "Get Out Of Jail Free" card for IT practitioners, but how hardware advancements have shifted the responsibility for successful applications squarely back on the shoulders of developers. The way you handle parsing on the Oracle database could open the door to the incredible firepower of modern servers...or leave you scratching your head wondering why your CPUs are running hot but no work is getting done.

And believe it or not...if you have used a public restroom, you are well on the way to understanding how parsing relates to building scalable applications :-)

If you like this episode, be sure you hit the Like button and share it with your colleagues. Catch me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/connor_mc_d if you have comments or questions.