sql-optimization-patterns
Master SQL query optimization, indexing strategies, and EXPLAIN analysis to dramatically improve database performance and eliminate slow queries. Use when debugging slow queries, designing database schemas, or optimizing application performance.
Profile →npx skills add wshobson/agents --skill sql-optimization-patterns --agent claude-code
Same command for any agent — swap --agent for codex, cursor, copilot.
Weekly change comes from our own snapshots, not the repository page — it measures attention, not adoption.
# SQL Optimization Patterns Transform slow database queries into lightning-fast operations through systematic optimization, proper indexing, and query plan analysis. ## When to Use This Skill - Debugging slow-running queries - Designing performant database schemas - Optimizing application response times - Reducing database load and costs - Improving scalability for growing datasets - Analyzing EXPLAIN query plans - Implementing efficient indexes - Resolving N+1 query problems ## Core Concepts ### 1. Query Execution Plans (EXPLAIN) Understanding EXPLAIN output is fundamental to optimization. **PostgreSQL EXPLAIN:** ```sql -- Basic explain EXPLAIN SELECT * FROM users WHERE email = 'user@example.com'; -- With actual execution stats EXPLAIN ANALYZE SELECT * FROM users WHERE email = 'user@example.com'; -- Verbose output with more details EXPLAIN (ANALYZE, BUFFERS, VERBOSE) SELECT u.*, o.order_total FROM users u JOIN orders o ON u.id = o.user_id WHERE u.created_at > NOW() - INTERVAL '30 days'; ``` **Key Metrics to Watch:** - **Seq Scan**: Full table scan (usually slow for large tables) - **Index Scan**: Using index (good) - **Index Only Scan**: Using index without touching table (best) -
- When to Use This Skill
- Core Concepts
- 1. Query Execution Plans (EXPLAIN)
- 2. Index Strategies
- 3. Query Optimization Patterns
- Detailed patterns and worked examples
- Best Practices
- Common Pitfalls
- Monitoring Queries
What does the sql-optimization-patterns skill do?
Master SQL query optimization, indexing strategies, and EXPLAIN analysis to dramatically improve database performance and eliminate slow queries. Use when debugging slow queries, designing database schemas, or optimizing application performance.
How do I install it?
Run `npx skills add wshobson/agents --skill sql-optimization-patterns --agent claude-code` — it drops the skill into your project so the agent can pick it up. Swap the --agent value for codex, cursor or copilot if you use one of those.
Where does this skill come from?
From wshobson/agents, a repository with 38,479 stars. We read it straight from the repository tree rather than a submitted listing, so what you see here is what is actually published.
Is a popular skill a good skill?
Not necessarily. Stars measure attention, not adoption — a repository can trend for a week and be abandoned. That is why we show the weekly change from our own snapshots next to the total, instead of a single flattering number.