Monday, November 24, 2025

MySQL Slow Query Diagnostic Script (2025): A Complete Production DBA Guide


Estimated Reading Time: 6–7 minutes

Slow queries are one of the biggest reasons for performance degradation in MySQL and Aurora MySQL environments. High latency SQL can create CPU spikes, I/O pressure, row lock waits, replication lag, and application-level timeouts.

This article provides a production-ready MySQL Slow Query Diagnostic Script, explains how to interpret the results, and shows how DBAs can use this script for proactive tuning and operational monitoring.


MySQL Slow Query Diagnostic Script banner showing SQL performance diagnostics, performance schema analysis and slow query monitoring dashboard


Table of Contents

1.      What Slow Query Diagnostics Mean for MySQL DBAs

2.      Production-Ready MySQL Slow Query Diagnostic Script

3.      Script Output Explained

4.      Additional Performance Metrics to Watch

5.      Add-On Scripts (Top by Buffer Gets, Disk Reads)

6.      Real-World MySQL DBA Scenario

7.      How to Automate These Checks

8.      Interview Questions

9.      Final Summary

10.  FAQ

11.  About the Author

12.  Call to Action (CTA)


1. What Slow Query Diagnostics Mean for MySQL DBAs

Slow queries lead to:

·         High CPU utilisation

·         Increased IOPS and latency

·         Row lock waits and deadlocks

·         Replication lag in Aurora MySQL / RDS MySQL

·         Query timeout issues at the application layer

·         Poor customer experience under load

MySQL’s Performance Schema provides deep visibility into SQL patterns, allowing DBAs to identify:

·         High-latency queries

·         Full table scans

·         Missing index patterns

·         SQL causing temporary tables

·         SQL responsible for heavy disk reads

·         SQL generating high row examinations

Slow query diagnostics are essential for maintaining consistent performance in production systems.


2. Production-Ready MySQL Slow Query Diagnostic Script

This script analyses execution time, latency, row scans and query patterns using Performance Schema:

/* MySQL Slow Query Diagnostic Script
   Works on: MySQL 5.7, MySQL 8.0, Aurora MySQL
*/
 
SELECT 
      DIGEST_TEXT AS Query_Sample,
      SCHEMA_NAME AS Database_Name,
      COUNT_STAR AS Execution_Count,
      ROUND(SUM_TIMER_WAIT/1000000000000, 4) AS Total_Time_Seconds,
      ROUND((SUM_TIMER_WAIT/COUNT_STAR)/1000000000000, 6) AS Avg_Time_Per_Exec,
      SUM_ROWS_EXAMINED AS Rows_Examined,
      SUM_ROWS_SENT AS Rows_Sent,
      FIRST_SEEN,
      LAST_SEEN
FROM performance_schema.events_statements_summary_by_digest
WHERE SCHEMA_NAME NOT IN ('mysql','sys','performance_schema','information_schema')
ORDER BY Total_Time_Seconds DESC
LIMIT 20;

This is a field-tested script used in multiple production environments including AWS RDS MySQL and Amazon Aurora MySQL.


3. Script Output Explained

Column

Meaning

Query_Sample

Normalized version of SQL for pattern analysis

Database_Name

Schema on which SQL is executed

Execution_Count

How many times the SQL pattern ran

Total_Time_Seconds

Total execution time consumed

Avg_Time_Per_Exec

Average latency per execution

Rows_Examined

Total rows scanned (detects full scans)

Rows_Sent

Rows returned by the query

FIRST_SEEN / LAST_SEEN

Time window of activity

These values help DBAs identify the highest-impact SQL patterns immediately.


4. Additional Performance Metrics You Must Watch

During slow query investigations, always check:

·         High Rows_Examined → Missing index

·         High Avg_Time_Per_Exec → Expensive joins or sorting

·         High Rows_Examined vs Rows_Sent difference → Inefficient filtering

·         High Execution_Count → Inefficient query called repeatedly

·         Repeated occurrence between FIRST_SEEN and LAST_SEEN → Ongoing issue

MySQL workload analysis becomes easy when these metrics are evaluated together.


5. Add-On Script: Top SQL by Buffer Gets

Useful for identifying CPU-heavy SQL:

SELECT 
    sql_id,
    buffer_gets,
    executions,
    ROUND(buffer_gets/EXECUTIONS, 2) AS gets_per_exec,
    sql_text
FROM performance_schema.events_statements_summary_by_digest
ORDER BY buffer_gets DESC
LIMIT 10;

MySQL Performance Schema slow query capture and analysis architecture diagram showing SQL flow from application through parser, execution engine, data collection, digest normalization and summary tables for DBA monitoring.

6. Add-On Script: Top SQL by Disk Reads

Identifies IO-intensive SQL patterns:

SELECT 
    DIGEST_TEXT,
    SUM_ROWS_EXAMINED,
    SUM_ROWS_SENT,
    SUM_CREATED_TMP_TABLES,
    SUM_CREATED_TMP_DISK_TABLES
FROM performance_schema.events_statements_summary_by_digest
ORDER BY SUM_CREATED_TMP_DISK_TABLES DESC
LIMIT 10;

These help diagnose latency issues caused by slow storage or inefficient joins.


7. Real-World MySQL DBA Scenario

A typical incident scenario:

1.      Application complaints about slow API response

2.      CloudWatch shows high read latency

3.      Slow query log or Performance Schema shows a SQL digest consuming high execution time

4.      SQL performs a full table scan on a large table

5.      Missing index identified on a WHERE clause or JOIN condition

6.      Index added / query refactored

7.      Latency drops, performance normalises

This is the real process DBAs follow for incident resolution.


8. How to Automate These Checks

DBAs typically automate slow query monitoring using:

·         Linux cron + shell scripts

·         Python automation with scheduling

·         n8n workflows + MySQL nodes

·         AWS CloudWatch + Lambda alerts for Aurora MySQL

·         Grafana + Prometheus exporters

·         Slack / Teams notifications for high-latency SQL

Automation ensures issues are detected before users experience downtime.


9. Interview Questions – Slow Query Diagnostics

Be ready for:

·         How do you find top slow queries in MySQL?

·         What is the advantage of Performance Schema?

·         Difference between Rows_Examined and Rows_Sent?

·         What creates temporary disk tables?

·         How do you detect missing indexes from slow queries?

·         How do you reduce query execution time?

·         How does MySQL slow query log differ from Performance Schema?

Mentioning these scripts gives you a strong technical advantage.


10. Final Summary

Slow query diagnostics are essential for maintaining high performance in MySQL, Aurora MySQL, and RDS MySQL systems. The diagnostic script provided above offers deep visibility into SQL patterns, latency contributors and row scan behaviour.

This script can be used for daily health checks, tuning analysis, or fully automated monitoring workflows.


11. FAQ – MySQL Slow Query Diagnostics

Q1: What causes slow queries in MySQL?
Missing indexes, inefficient joins, large table scans, temporary table creation, outdated statistics, or poor schema design.

Q2: Does this script work in Aurora MySQL?
Yes, it works in Aurora MySQL 2.x/3.x because Performance Schema is supported.

Q3: Should I enable slow query logs as well?
Yes, slow query logs complement Performance Schema for long-running queries.

Q4: Can this script detect full table scans?
Yes—high Rows_Examined with low Rows_Sent is a clear indicator.

Q5: Does this script impact performance?
No, Performance Schema summary tables are lightweight.

 About the Author

Chetan Yadav is a Senior Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL and Cloud DBA with 14+ years of experience supporting high-traffic production environments across AWS, Azure and on-premise systems. His expertise includes Oracle RAC, ASM, Data Guard, performance tuning, HA/DR design, monitoring frameworks and real-world troubleshooting.

He trains DBAs globally through deep-dive technical content, hands-on sessions and automation workflows using n8n, AI tools and modern monitoring stacks. His mission is to help DBAs solve real production problems and advance into high-paying remote roles worldwide.

Chetan regularly publishes expert content across Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL and Cloud DBA technologies—including performance tuning guides, DR architectures, monitoring tools, scripts and real incident-based case studies.

Explore More Technical Work

LinkedIn (Professional Profile & Articles)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chetanyadavvds/

YouTube – Oracle Foundations Playlist
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Facebook Page – OracleDBAInfo
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These platforms feature guides, scripts, diagrams, troubleshooting workflows and real-world DBA case studies designed for database professionals worldwide.

Call to Action
If you found this helpful, follow my blog and LinkedIn for deep Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL and Cloud DBA content. I publish real production issues, scripts, case studies and monitoring guides that help DBAs grow in their career.

Friday, November 21, 2025

Oracle SQL Monitoring Script (DBA-Friendly, Real-World Monitoring Guide)

Estimated Reading Time: 6–7 minutes

Monitoring is the backbone of every production database. SQL-level monitoring helps DBAs detect slow queries, high load SQLs, blocked sessions, and performance issues before they become incidents.
This article provides a production-ready SQL monitoring script, explains each part of it, and shows how DBAs can integrate it into daily checks.


Oracle SQL Monitoring Script Banner – Real DBA Guide

 


 Table of Contents  

1. What Does SQL Monitoring Mean for DBAs?  

2. Production-Ready SQL Monitoring Script  

3. Script Output Explained  

4. Performance Metrics You Must Watch  

5. Real-World DBA Scenario  

6. Automation Options  

7. FAQ  

8. Final Thoughts  


 



1. What Does SQL Monitoring Mean for Oracle DBAs? 

SQL monitoring helps identify:

  • High buffer gets SQL

  • High CPU-consuming SQL

  • SQL with long execution time

  • SQL causing row locks

  • SQL creating IO bottlenecks

  • SQL generating alerts or session waits

These insights allow proactive tuning and avoid outages.


2. Production-Grade Oracle SQL Monitoring Script 

Below is a clean, ready-to-run script used by senior DBAs in real production environments:

SET LINES 200 SET PAGES 200 SELECT s.sid, s.serial#, s.username, s.status, p.spid AS os_pid, q.sql_id, q.sql_text, ROUND(s.cpu_time/1000000,2) AS cpu_sec, s.blocking_session, s.event, s.wait_class, s.last_call_et AS seconds_since_last_call FROM v$session s LEFT JOIN v$sql q ON s.sql_id = q.sql_id LEFT JOIN v$process p ON s.paddr = p.addr WHERE s.username IS NOT NULL ORDER BY s.cpu_time DESC FETCH FIRST 20 ROWS ONLY;

3. What This Script Reveals 

Each column has a purpose:

ColumnMeaning
SID / SERIAL#Unique session ID
USERNAMEWhich user is running SQL
STATUSACTIVE / INACTIVE
OS_PID (spid)OS-level process identifier
SQL_IDQuery identifier
SQL_TEXTActual SQL query
CPU_SECCPU usage of query
BLOCKING_SESSIONDetect blocking
EVENTWhat the session is waiting on
WAIT_CLASSIO, CPU, Network, etc.
LAST_CALL_ETQuery running time

This helps diagnose real production issues in minutes.

For official Oracle reference, visit the Oracle Database Documentation:

https://docs.oracle.com/en/database/



4. Add-on: Top SQL by Buffer Gets 

SELECT sql_id, buffer_gets, executions, ROUND(buffer_gets/DECODE(executions,0,1,executions)) AS gets_per_exec, sql_text FROM v$sql ORDER BY buffer_gets DESC FETCH FIRST 10 ROWS ONLY;

Use this to find high-cost SQL.


5. Add-on: Top SQL by IO 

SELECT sql_id, disk_reads, direct_writes, sql_text FROM v$sql ORDER BY disk_reads DESC FETCH FIRST 10 ROWS ONLY;

Useful for IO-heavy systems and slow storage layers.


Oracle SQL Monitoring Architecture – User Session to v$ Views Flow Diagram


6. Real-World DBA Use Case

Example scenario:

  • Application suddenly slows down

  • Sessions start waiting on "db file sequential read"

  • Your script shows high CPU session + SQL_ID

  • SQL belongs to a reporting job running full table scans

  • You tune it (add index / rewrite SQL / fix stats)

  • Performance normalizes in seconds

This is exactly what impresses recruiters and decision-makers.


7. How To Automate These Checks 

DBAs usually automate this:

  • Add SQL scripts to a shell script

  • Run at intervals using cron or OEM

  • Forward output to email / Teams / Slack

  • Integrate with CloudWatch / SignalFx

  • Store SQL history for future tuning

I can prepare your automation version in bash or PowerShell if you want.


8. Interview Questions Based on This Topic 

Expect these in interviews:

  1. How do you identify top CPU SQL?

  2. What is SQL_ID and why is it important?

  3. Difference between buffer gets and disk reads?

  4. How will you find blocking sessions?

  5. Which wait events show IO bottlenecks?


9. Final Summary

A good SQL monitoring script gives DBAs visibility into session health, CPU load, IO bottlenecks, and blocking in real time. This script is production-ready and can be used for performance tuning, health checks, or automated monitoring.

 FAQ – Oracle SQL Monitoring


Q1: What is SQL monitoring in Oracle?
SQL monitoring helps identify CPU-heavy SQLs, IO waits, blocking sessions, and real-time performance problems.


Q2: Which Oracle versions support this script?
The script works on 11g, 12c, 18c, and 19c as long as v$session and v$sql views are available.


Q3: When should DBAs run this script?
During slow application response, high CPU alerts, IO bottlenecks, blocking chains, or performance degradation.


Q4: Can this script be automated?
Yes—using cron, OEM, Python, or n8n workflows for scheduled reporting.



Chetan Yadav is a Senior Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL & Cloud DBA with 14+ years of experience supporting high-traffic production environments across AWS, Azure, and on-premise systems. His core expertise includes Oracle RAC, ASM, Data Guard, performance tuning, HA/DR design, monitoring frameworks, and real-world troubleshooting.

He also trains DBAs globally through deep-dive technical content, hands-on sessions, and automation workflows using n8n, AI tools, and modern monitoring stacks. His mission is to help DBAs solve real production problems and grow into high-paying remote roles worldwide.

Chetan regularly publishes expert content across Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and Cloud DBA technologies—including performance tuning guides, DR architectures, monitoring tools, scripts, and real incident-based case studies.


Explore More Technical Work

LinkedIn (Professional Profile & Articles)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chetanyadavvds/

YouTube – Oracle Foundations Playlist
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5TN6ECUWGROHQGXep_5hff-2ageWTp4b

Telegram – LevelUp_Careers DBA Tips
https://t.me/LevelUp_Careers

Instagram – Oracle/Cloud Learning Reels
https://www.instagram.com/levelup_careers/

Facebook Page – OracleDBAInfo
https://www.facebook.com/OracleDBAInfo

These platforms feature guides, scripts, diagrams, troubleshooting workflows, and real-world DBA case studies designed for database professionals worldwide.

Friday, November 7, 2025

How I Use ChatGPT and Automation to Save 3 Hours a Day as a Database Administrator (Real Workflow Example)

How I Use ChatGPT and Automation to Save 3 Hours a Day as a DBA

DBA working on database performance dashboards with ChatGPT AI assistant



The New Reality of Database Administration

Database environments today are more dynamic than ever. A DBA manages hybrid and multi-cloud systems across Oracle, PostgreSQL, Aurora MySQL, and other platforms.
While architecture complexity keeps growing, the number of hours in a day does not. Much of a DBA’s time still goes into manual analysis, log checks, and repetitive reporting.

To reclaim that time, I built a workflow using ChatGPT for analysis and n8n for automation. Together they now handle much of the repetitive monitoring and documentation work that used to slow me down.


Step 1: Using ChatGPT as an Analytical Assistant 

ChatGPT analyzing SQL execution plan with database performance metrics and query optimization insights on screen




I use ChatGPT as an intelligent interpreter for the technical data I already collect.

SQL and AWR Analysis
Prompt example:

Analyze this SQL execution plan. Identify expensive operations, missing indexes, and filter or join inefficiencies.

ChatGPT highlights cost-heavy steps, missing statistics, and joins that need review. I then validate insights using DBMS_XPLAN.DISPLAY_CURSOR before making any changes.

Incident Summaries and RCA Drafts
Prompt example:

Summarize the top waits and likely root causes from this AWR report in concise technical language for a status email.

This produces a clean summary that I can send to teams without spending time on formatting or rewriting.

Documentation and SOPs
Prompt example:

Write a step-by-step guide for restoring an Oracle 19c database from RMAN backup using target and auxiliary channels.

The generated draft is clear and consistent, saving time on documentation while maintaining accuracy.


Step 2: Automating Monitoring and Alerts with n8n


n8n automation workflow showing ChatGPT integration with CloudWatch, Google Sheets, and Teams for database monitoring alerts



After simplifying documentation, I focused on automating data flow and notifications. Using n8n, I built workflows that:

When IO latency crosses a set threshold, the summary reads:

IO wait time on the primary database instance exceeded 60 percent. Possible cause: concurrent updates or storage contention. Review session activity and storage throughput.

Each alert is logged automatically in Google Sheets for trend analysis, so I no longer need to export or merge reports manually.


Step 3: The Measured Impact

 

Team dashboard displaying real-time database performance alerts with IO latency, CPU utilization, and query wait time summaries

After a few weeks, the results were visible:

  • Around 3 hours of manual effort are saved daily.

  • Faster communication through structured alerts.

  • Fewer repetitive RCA summaries.

  • More focus on architecture, tuning, and mentoring.

This combination of ChatGPT and n8n now runs quietly in the background, reducing operational overhead and improving accuracy.


Key Takeaways

Automation does not replace DBAs; it amplifies their impact.
ChatGPT brings analytical speed and structured communication.
n8n enables event-driven automation that scales without complexity.

If you’re managing complex environments, start with one task — maybe your daily health check or backup report — and automate it. Small steps quickly add up to big efficiency gains.


Final Thought

The next phase of database administration belongs to professionals who merge technical expertise with intelligent automation.
Instead of reacting to alerts, we should design systems that interpret themselves.

Start small, validate your results, and let automation do the routine work so you can focus on engineering.


Where I Share More

If you want to explore DBA automation, Oracle training, or real-world case studies, follow my work here:

🎥 YouTube: LevelUp_Careers Oracle Foundation Playlist
💬 Telegram: @LevelUp_Careers
📸 Instagram: @levelup_careers
🧠 LinkedIn Newsletter: LevelUp DBA Digest

Follow any of these for practical DBA learning and automation insights.


 

#OracleDBA #DatabaseAutomation #ChatGPT #CloudDBA #n8n #AIOps #PerformanceTuning #DatabaseMonitoring #AutomationEngineering #TechLeadership

Where I Share More

If you are interested in DBA automation, Oracle training, or real-world case studies, you can explore more of my content below:

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💬 Telegram: @LevelUp_Careers
📸 Instagram: @levelup_careers
🧠 LinkedIn Newsletter: LevelUp DBA Digest

Follow any of these to keep learning and stay updated on practical DBA automation workflows.

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Why Oracle RAC Still Shines in 2025

Why Oracle RAC Still Shines in 2025



TL;DR Summary

Oracle RAC continues to deliver zero-downtime clustering, linear scalability, and seamless maintenance in 2025—keeping it relevant for mission-critical workloads.


Introduction

In today’s cloud-native era, many argue that newer distributed databases have supplanted Oracle RAC. Yet, for enterprises demanding guaranteed uptime, sub-second failover, and mature support, RAC still solves real business pains.
DBAs and architects face pressure to keep systems online 24×7—RAC’s proven clusterware, ASM integration, and rolling-patch capabilities remain indispensable.


Architecture Overview

 

ClientApp --> SCAN[SCAN VIP] SCAN --> RAC_Node1 SCAN --> RAC_Node2 RAC_Node1 --> ASM[ASM Diskgroup] RAC_Node2 --> ASM ASM --> Shared_Storage[(Shared Disks)] RAC_Node1 --> DG[Data Guard] RAC_Node2 --> DG
  • ClientApp connects via a Single Client Access Name (SCAN) for load balancing.

  • RAC_Node1/2 run independent Oracle instances accessing the same ASM-managed storage.

  • ASM Diskgroup abstracts disk management and provides striping/mirroring.

  • Shared Disks store datafiles, redo logs, and OCR.

  • Data Guard provides disaster-recovery standby to the RAC primary.


Deep Dive

Memory & Process Architecture

  • Global Cache Service (GCS): Coordinates block transfers between nodes.

  • Global Enqueue Service (GES): Manages metadata locks.

  • SGA Components: Shared by all instances, including library cache and buffer cache.

Component    Default Value Purpose
CLUSTER_DATABASE         TRUE               Enables RAC mode
CACHE_FUSION                 ENABLED Inter-node block transfer
ASM_DISKGROUPS       (DATA, FRACTEMP) ASM diskgroup list for data and temp

Redo Transport & Coordination

  • Cache Fusion: Sends “dirty” blocks over the interconnect instead of disk.

  • Interconnect: Private network (1–10 Gbps) dedicated for RAC heartbeat and block transfer.

  • Redo Apply: Each instance writes local redo; ASM mirrors to shared storage.


Code & Configuration Samples

# Start the RAC database
srvctl start database -d ORCL       # Launches all instances in the cluster

# Check cluster status
crsctl check cluster               # Verifies CRS, voting disks, and OCR health

# Add a new SCAN listener
srvctl add scan_listener -l scan1 -p 1521  # Creates SCAN VIP
-- Enable Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) wallet
ADMINISTER KEY MANAGEMENT SET KEYSTORE OPEN IDENTIFIED BY "StrongPwd!";
ADMINISTER KEY MANAGEMENT CREATE KEY IDENTIFIED BY "StrongPwd!" WITH BACKUP;
-- Annotated: Opens wallet and creates TDE master key

Performance Tuning & Best Practices

  1. Statistics Management: Automate DBMS_STATS.GATHER_DATABASE_STATS() weekly.

  2. Interconnect Tuning: Use jumbo frames (MTU 9000) on the private network.

  3. Adaptive Features: Enable MEMORY_TARGET with MEMORY_MAX_TARGET.

  4. Instance Caging: Limit CPU per instance for balanced workload.

  5. ASM Rebalance: Schedule low-priority rebalance to avoid IO spikes.


 

Parameter Impact Suggested Value
CLUSTER_INTERCONNECTS         Defines interconnect NICs eth1,eth2
DB_CACHE_SIZE         Buffer cache per instance                         25% total SGA
PGA_AGGREGATE_TARGET         Controls private memory for SQL     20% of SGA

Security Considerations

  • Network ACLs:

    BEGIN
      DBMS_NETWORK_ACL_ADMIN.CREATE_ACL(
        acl         => 'rac_acl.xml',
        description => 'RAC network rules',
        principal   => 'RAC_USER',
        is_grant    => TRUE,
        privilege   => 'connect'
      );
    END;
    
  • sqlnet.ora snippet:

    SQLNET.ENCRYPTION_SERVER = required
    SQLNET.ENCRYPTION_TYPES_SERVER = (AES256)
    
  • Role Separation: Grant only SYSDBA on one node; use OPERATOR for maintenance scripts.


Real-World Case Study

Scenario: A global retailer migrated its 24×7 e-commerce platform to Oracle RAC on Exadata Cloud.

  • Challenge: Single-instance DB caused 2–3 min outages per month during patching.

  • Solution: Deployed 4-node RAC with rolling patching and ASM redundancy.

  • Outcome: Achieved 99.999% availability, reduced patch-window to zero downtime, and saw a 30% improvement in average transaction throughput.


Common Pitfalls & Troubleshooting

  1. ORA-16837: Host crashed

    • Diagnostics:

      crsctl check cluster -all
      
    • Fix: Verify underlying OS heartbeat, increase CRSCTL set cluster property -name 'auto_recovery' -value 'true'.

  2. Cache Fusion Latency

    • Diagnostics:

      SELECT * FROM GV$GES_STATISTICS;
      
    • Fix: Optimize interconnect NIC teaming or switch to InfiniBand.

  3. ASM Rebalance Slowness

    • Diagnostics:

      SELECT * FROM V$ASM_OPERATION;
      
    • Fix: Set ASM_POWER_LIMIT higher during off-peak hours.


FAQs

Q1: Is RAC overkill for small DBs?
A: If you need high availability and your SLAs demand zero downtime, RAC scales down—consider two-node deployments.

Q2: Can I run RAC on public cloud?
A: Yes—OCI, AWS, and Azure all support Oracle RAC, though network and storage configs vary.

Q3: How does RAC compare to Kubernetes-based DBs?
A: RAC offers deeper integration with ASM, rolling patches, and Oracle support—K8s DBs are emerging but less mature.


Conclusion & Call-to-Action

Oracle RAC remains a battle-tested solution in 2025, delivering unmatched uptime, linear scalability, and mature tooling. If uptime is non-negotiable for your enterprise, RAC deserves a spot in your architecture.
Share your RAC experiences below or contact us for an in-depth workshop!


References

  1. Oracle RAC Concepts Guide – https://docs.oracle.com/en/database/oracle/oracle-database/19/radbi/index.html

  2. ASM Administrator’s Guide – https://docs.oracle.com/en/database/oracle/oracle-database/19/asmag/index.html

  3. Oracle Real Application Clusters Best Practices – Oracle White Paper

  4. Data Guard Overview – https://docs.oracle.com/en/database/oracle/oracle-database/19/dgbkr/index.html

  5. Managing Database Security – Oracle Database Security Guide

Friday, July 5, 2024

Steps to Handle Loss of Redo Log File

  Steps to Handle Loss of Redo Log File

 


1.  Identify the Lost Redo Log:

       - First, figure out which redo log group and member are missing. You can do this using SQL*Plus or SQL Developer connected to your Oracle database.

         SELECT group#, member   FROM v$logfile;

               This query will list the redo log groups and their members. Identify the missing one based on its group number and member path.

 

2.  Check Redo Log Status:

   - Next, verify the status of the remaining redo log groups and members to ensure they are intact and available.

      SELECT group#, status   FROM v$log;

 

3.  Restore Lost Redo Log:

   - If you have a backup of the lost redo log file, restore it from your backup solution (like RMAN) to its original location.

   - If no backup is available, you may need to recreate the lost redo log file. This involves dropping the damaged group and recreating it with the appropriate size and attributes.

4.  Recreate Redo Log Group:

   - To recreate a redo log group, use SQL commands while connected to SQL*Plus or SQL Developer:

      ALTER DATABASE ADD LOGFILE GROUP <group_number> ('path_to_redo_log_file_1', 'path_to_redo_log_file_2', ...);

    Replace `<group_number>` with the group number of the lost redo log group, and specify the paths to the redo log files you want to create.

 

5.  Switch and Open Database:

   - After adding or restoring the redo log file, perform a log switch to activate the new or restored redo log group.

      ALTER SYSTEM SWITCH LOGFILE;

      - Open the database in the appropriate mode (`OPEN` or `OPEN RESETLOGS`) depending on the recovery scenario.

 

6.  Recovery and Testing:

   - Perform recovery checks to ensure the database is functioning correctly after restoring or recreating the redo log file.

   - Monitor the alert logs and database performance for any further issues or errors related to the recovery process.

 

Considerations

 

-  Backup Strategy:  Regularly back up your redo logs using RMAN to facilitate quick recovery in case of data loss scenarios.

-  Redo Log Architecture:  Understand your redo log architecture (group sizes, multiplexing, etc.) to ensure redundancy and quick recovery.

-  Database Protection:  Implement high availability (HA) solutions and data protection mechanisms to mitigate risks associated with redo log file loss.

 

 Keep learning 

Saturday, March 2, 2024

Honored and Driven: The Impact of Earning the Top Database Administration Voice Title




 

Earning the title of "Top Database Administration Voice" is an incredible honor and a deeply humbling recognition of the dedication, passion, and countless hours I've invested in this field. But beyond the personal gratification, it serves as a powerful catalyst, propelling me forward in my journey and igniting a renewed sense of purpose within the vibrant and ever-evolving world of database administration (DBA).

A Heartfelt Expression of Gratitude

At the outset, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who played a part in making this recognition possible. This includes everyone who nominated me, actively engaged with my work, or simply offered words of encouragement and support along the way. This achievement isn't solely a reflection of individual effort; it's a testament to the collaborative spirit and unwavering support of the entire DBA community.

Beyond Recognition: A Springboard for Growth

This recognition isn't merely a badge of honor; it's a potent source of motivation that fuels my desire to learn, contribute, and advocate for the DBA community:

  • Staying Ahead of the Curve: The landscape of databases is a dynamic one, constantly evolving with new technologies and best practices emerging at a rapid pace. This recognition serves as a constant reminder of the importance of lifelong learning, pushing me to stay abreast of the latest trends and innovations that shape the future of data management.
  • Empowering Others Through Knowledge Sharing: As someone recognized as a Top DBA Voice, I feel an even greater responsibility to share my knowledge and experience with others. This translates into actively seeking opportunities to empower the next generation of DBAs, whether through informative blog posts, engaging presentations, or dedicated mentorship programs.
  • Championing the DBA Community: DBAs play an indispensable role within organizations, safeguarding the integrity, security, and accessibility of vital data. This recognition motivates me to become a stronger advocate for the DBA community, ensuring their vital contributions are valued and acknowledged at all levels.

The Ripple Effect of Recognition

This experience serves as a powerful illustration of the transformative impact that recognition can have. It transcends the act of simply acknowledging individual achievements; it has the potential to motivate individuals, foster collaboration, and strengthen communities as a whole. Let's strive to create a culture where we actively recognize and celebrate the contributions of others, regardless of their magnitude. After all, in the interconnected world of databases, just like in any other field, we are all stronger when we work together.


Looking forward for your suggestions.. please feel free to write to me.. Your help would definitely help to improve our blog. Chetan Yadav