Chapter 19: Optimizing Your Application

Overview

Chambers 20th Century English Dictionary defines optimization as:

"Preparing or revising a computer system or program so as to achieve the greatest possible efficiency."

That is the focus of this chapter. We shall be looking at the different methods available to you as a developer to ensure that your database application operates as efficiently as possible.

In particular, we will cover:

• What makes a piece of code efficient

• How to measure the speed of a program

• Some coding tips for creating faster programs

• What to bear in mind when writing networked applications