About This Book

This book describes how to optimize performance of InterSystems SQL. InterSystems SQL provides standard relational access to data stored within an InterSystems IRIS® data platform database.

The book addresses the following topics:

• “Defining and Building Indices” describes how to define and build indices.

• “Optimizing SQL Tables” describes ways that you can optimize access to the data in your InterSystems SQL tables.

• “Cached Queries” describes how InterSystems SQL retains recent queries in a cache, enabling rapid execution and sharing of defined queries.

• “Optimizing SQL Queries” describes ways that you can optimize the performance of your InterSystems SQL queries.

• “Interpreting an SQL Query Plan” gives tips on understanding the results of a “show plan” for an SQL query.

• “SQL Statements” describes how you can view all executed SQL statements; queries provide performance statistics.

• “Frozen Plans” describes how you can view and freeze SQL query plans.

For a detailed outline, see the Table of Contents.

This book supplements the following:

• Using InterSystems SQL provides in-depth material on SQL components and features, how to execute SQL queries, and support for error and transaction processing.

• The InterSystems SQL Reference provides details on individual SQL commands and functions, as well as information on the InterSystems SQL data types and reserved words.

• Orientation Guide for Server-Side Programming is an orientation guide for programmers who are new to InterSystems or who are familiar with only some kinds of InterSystems IRIS® programming.

• In Defining and Using Classes, the chapter “Introduction to Persistent Objects” summarizes how InterSystems IRIS® object technology interoperates with SQL. Later chapters provide additional detail.

• Using Java with the InterSystems JDBC Driver describes how to access InterSystems IRIS® tables from external applications via JDBC.

• Using the InterSystems ODBC Driver describes how to access InterSystems IRIS® tables from external applications via ODBC.

• System Administration Guide lists the Management Portal SQL and Object Settings Pages.

• InterSystems Error Reference lists the SQLCODE error messages.