PostgreSQL Query Optimization: A-to-Z Cheatsheet (FREE Download)
Slow queries? High latency? If you’ve ever asked how to optimize PostgreSQL performance, this guide is for you.
I’ve created a FREE PostgreSQL Query Optimization Cheatsheet a concise, actionable guide for DBAs, SREs, and developers who want to improve query performance PostgreSQL and keep their databases healthy.
Why A-to-Z?
Because it’s easy to remember, easy to digest, and perfect to keep pinned on your desktop.
Each letter covers a critical optimization concept from Analyze Queries to Zero in on Slow Queries.
A-to-Z PostgreSQL Optimization Tips
A – Analyze Queries
• Use EXPLAIN / EXPLAIN ANALYZE to inspect slow queries
• Identify Seq Scan vs Index Scan
B – Best Indexing
• Index columns in WHERE, JOIN, ORDER BY
• Use B-Tree, GIN, BRIN indexes
C – CTEs vs Subqueries
• Use CTEs for readability; performance is comparable in PostgreSQL 12+
D – Data Types
• Prefer BIGINT for primary keys
• Use TEXT instead of VARCHAR(n)
• Avoid unnecessary JSONB
…and so on until Z – Zero in on Slow Queries
• Focus optimization on high-cost queries
• Leverage Postgres query optimizer and performance tuning tools
(Full A-to-Z list is in the FREE PDF download below)
Why PostgreSQL Query Optimization Matters
PostgreSQL is powerful, but without proper tuning, even the best queries can become bottlenecks.
Poor indexing, inefficient joins, and outdated statistics can lead to performance issues.
That’s why Postgres query optimizer, performance tuning tools, and query tuning strategies are essential for every production environment.
Why You Need This
Quick reference during Sev-1 incidents
Covers PostgreSQL query tuning
Perfect for DBAs, DBREs, SREs, and engineers
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Really solid approach to organizing query optimization knwoledge. The A-to-Z structure makes it way easier to remember specific techniques under pressure, especially during incidents when nobody's got time to dig through 50-page docs. One thing worth noting though is that EXPLAIN ANALYZE can be deceiving with cached data, so running it cold a few times helps spot the actual bottleneck behavior.