Chapter 31. Optimizing and Tuning MySQL

Proper care and feeding of your MySQL server will keep it running happily and without incident. The optimization of your system consists of proper hardware maintenance and software tuning. In this chapter, you will learn the basics of optimizing and tuning your server, including

• Basic hardware and software optimization tips for your MySQL server

• Key startup parameters for your MySQL server

• How to use the OPTIMIZE TABLE command

• How to use the EXPLAIN command

• How to use the FLUSH command to clean up tables, caches, and log files

• How to use SHOW commands to retrieve information about databases, tables, and indexes

• How to use SHOW commands to find system status information

By the Way

For additional methods of maintaining and administering your MySQL server, review the MySQL Administrator Console product from MySQL AB, at http://www.mysql.com/products/tools/administrator/.