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PHP and MySQL Index Optimization and Query Cache Strategies: Improving Data Reading and Query Performance

M66 2025-07-13

Introduction

In web development, PHP and MySQL are two extremely important tools. PHP, as a popular server-side scripting language, is used to develop dynamic websites and applications. MySQL, on the other hand, is an open-source relational database management system for storing and managing data. The combination of PHP and MySQL provides powerful functionality for developers, but it also presents performance optimization challenges. This article will focus on discussing PHP and MySQL index data reading and query cache optimization strategies, along with their impact on performance, and will provide readers with concrete code examples.

Importance of Indexes and Optimization Strategies

An index is a data structure used to speed up database query performance. It works by creating specific references to quickly locate and retrieve records. In MySQL, indexes can be created on table columns to speed up queries involving those columns.

Creating Appropriate Indexes

Creating appropriate indexes is key to improving query performance. First, ensure that the indexes match the columns used in queries. If the index does not match the query columns, MySQL cannot use the index and will need to scan the entire table, leading to performance degradation.

Example code:

<span class="fun">CREATE INDEX idx_name ON users (name);</span>

Multi-Column Indexes

For queries that involve multiple columns, creating a composite index that includes those columns can improve query efficiency.

Example code:

<span class="fun">CREATE INDEX idx_city_country ON users (city, country);</span>

Avoid Excessive Indexes

While indexes can improve query performance, having too many indexes can negatively impact performance. This is because every insert, update, or delete operation needs to update the indexes. Therefore, avoid creating indexes on unnecessary columns.

Query Cache Optimization Strategies and Their Impact on Performance

Query cache is a caching mechanism provided by MySQL that stores the results of SELECT queries in memory, preventing the need to re-execute the same query. Query cache can significantly speed up queries, but it can also cause performance issues under certain circumstances.

Enabling Query Cache

To use query cache, make sure that the query_cache_type parameter in the MySQL server configuration file is set to 1, which enables query caching.

Example code:

<span class="fun">query_cache_type = 1</span>

Query Cache Hit Rate

The query cache hit rate represents the percentage of queries that were served from the cache. A low hit rate indicates that the query cache is not being fully utilized and needs optimization.

Example code:

<span class="fun">SHOW STATUS LIKE 'Qcache_hits';</span>
<span class="fun">SHOW STATUS LIKE 'Qcache_inserts';</span>

Cache Expiry Issues

Query cache has limited space, and when the cache is full, less frequently used query results are replaced. Therefore, for tables that are frequently updated, query cache may not be effective. One solution is to prevent frequently updated tables from using the query cache.

Example code:

<span class="fun">SELECT SQL_NO_CACHE * FROM users WHERE id = 1;</span>

Best Practices for Performance Optimization

In addition to index optimization and query cache utilization, there are other best practices that can further enhance the performance of PHP and MySQL.

Using Bulk Inserts

When inserting a large number of records, using bulk inserts can greatly improve performance. You can achieve this by using the VALUES clause in an INSERT INTO statement.

Example code:

<span class="fun">INSERT INTO users (name, age) VALUES ('Tom', 20), ('Jerry', 25), ('Alice', 30);</span>

Using Prepared Statements

Prepared statements reduce the number of database executions, improving performance. Prepared statements send the query to the database server first, and then execute the query with parameter binding.

Example code:

<span class="fun">$stmt = $mysqli->prepare('SELECT * FROM users WHERE age > ?');</span>
<span class="fun">$stmt->bind_param('i', $age);</span>
<span class="fun">$stmt->execute();</span>

Reusing Database Connections

Creating and closing database connections is a time-consuming operation, so it should be avoided when possible. Connection pooling can be used to optimize database connection reuse.

Example code:

<span class="fun">$mysqli = new mysqli('localhost', 'username', 'password', 'database');</span>

Conclusion

This article discussed the optimization strategies for PHP and MySQL indexes, data reading, and query caches, providing concrete code examples. By appropriately creating indexes, enabling query cache, and following best performance optimization practices, PHP and MySQL performance can be significantly enhanced. Readers can apply the optimization strategies presented in this article based on their needs and circumstances.