Course overview
In this course, you’ll learn how to write database descriptions. You’ll discover how to manage meta information about databases and tables by using PostgreSQL Internals. You’ll also learn how to debug your PostgreSQL queries using the EXPLAIN clause.
You’ll learn how to measure estimated and actual execution times of your queries and determine which SQL clause is the most computationally expensive to perform, as well as the biggest cause for long-running queries. You’ll learn concepts such as indexing and how it can greatly reduce querying speed.
You’ll also learn what it means to vacuum a PostgreSQL database, how it reduces query speeds, and how to vacuum a database, as well as what ACID means for database transactions and why it’s important for transaction blocks.
Best of all, you’ll learn by doing — you’ll practice and get feedback directly in the browser.
Key skills
- Applying the fundamentals of PostgreSQL’'s internal tooling
- Debugging PostgreSQL queries and finding bottlenecks
- Using indices to optimize PostgreSQL queries
Course outline
Optimizing PostgreSQL Databases [5 lessons]
Exploring Postgres Internals 2h
Lesson Objectives- Manage meta information about databases and tables using Postgres
- Define a Postgres schema
- Create a description of a database
Debugging Postgres Queries 1h
Lesson Objectives- How to debug Postgres queries
- How to measure estimated and actual execution times
Using an Index 1h
Lesson Objectives- Speed up common queries using an index
- Build an index table
- Measure query speeds
Advanced Indexing 1h
Lesson Objectives- Create a multiple column index
- Identify different types of indexes
- Order your index columns
Vacuuming Postgres Databases 1h
Lesson Objectives- Define a database vacuum
- Define a transaction block
- Define ACID for database transactions
The Dataquest guarantee
Dataquest has helped thousands of people start new careers in data. If you put in the work and follow our path, you’ll master data skills and grow your career.
We believe so strongly in our paths that we offer a full satisfaction guarantee. If you complete a career path on Dataquest and aren’t satisfied with your outcome, we’ll give you a refund.
Master skills faster with Dataquest
Go from zero to job-ready
Learn exactly what you need to achieve your goal. Don’t waste time on unrelated lessons.
Build your project portfolio
Build confidence with our in-depth projects, and show off your data skills.
Challenge yourself with exercises
Work with real data from day one with interactive lessons and hands-on exercises.
Showcase your path certification
Impress employers by completing a capstone project and certifying it with an expert review.
Grow your career with
Dataquest.
97%
of learners recommend
Dataquest for career advancement
4.9
Dataquest rating on
G2Crowd and SwitchUp
$30k
Average salary boost
for learners who complete a path
Join 1M+ data learners on
Dataquest.
1
Sign up for a free account
2
Choose a course or path
3
Learn with hands-on exercises
4