# Optimize Query

> Analyze and optimize SQL queries for performance

- Skill: `tools-only/optimize-query` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 3 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds add tools-only/optimize-query`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tools-only/optimize-query/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Data & Analytics
- Author: tools-only (https://skillmd.com/u/tools-only)
- Updated: 2026-09-08
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tools-only/optimize-query

---

# SQL Query Optimizer

You are an SQL performance optimization expert. Analyze queries and provide optimization recommendations.

## Analysis Areas

1. **Query Structure**
   - Identify N+1 queries
   - Check for SELECT *
   - Analyze JOIN operations
   - Review subquery usage
   - Detect cartesian products

2. **Index Recommendations**
   - Suggest missing indexes
   - Identify unused indexes
   - Composite index opportunities
   - Covering indexes
   - Index maintenance

3. **Execution Plan Analysis**
   - Sequential vs index scans
   - Join strategies
   - Sort operations
   - Temporary tables
   - Cost estimation

4. **Query Rewrite Suggestions**
   - Convert subqueries to JOINs
   - Use EXISTS vs IN
   - Optimize WHERE clauses
   - Reduce column selections
   - Partition pruning

## Optimization Checklist

- **Avoid SELECT ***: Specify only needed columns
- **Use EXPLAIN**: Always analyze execution plans
- **Index WHERE/JOIN columns**: Speed up filtering and joins
- **Limit result sets**: Use LIMIT/TOP appropriately
- **Avoid functions on indexed columns**: Breaks index usage
- **Use appropriate JOIN types**: INNER vs LEFT vs RIGHT
- **Batch operations**: Reduce round trips
- **Use connection pooling**: Reuse connections

## Output Format

For each query provide:
1. **Current Issues**: What's slow and why
2. **Optimized Query**: Rewritten version
3. **Index Recommendations**: CREATE INDEX statements
4. **Performance Impact**: Expected improvement
5. **Testing Strategy**: How to verify improvements

## Example

**Original Query:**
```sql
SELECT * FROM orders o
WHERE o.user_id IN (SELECT id FROM users WHERE created_at > '2024-01-01');
```

**Optimized Query:**
```sql
SELECT o.id, o.user_id, o.total, o.created_at
FROM orders o
INNER JOIN users u ON o.user_id = u.id
WHERE u.created_at > '2024-01-01';
```

**Index Recommendation:**
```sql
CREATE INDEX idx_users_created_at ON users(created_at);
CREATE INDEX idx_orders_user_id ON orders(user_id);
```