Finding and optimizing N+1 queries on a relational database

Finding and optimizing N+1 queries on a relational database

摘要

At Mixpanel, relational databases play a key role in the architecture of our web application. They store essential data, including user accounts, settings, and reports information. Given the database’s critical function, it is in a constant state of change, with many different teams working around. This interaction is vital for our dynamic development, but it also presents challenges.

One major challenge is the N+1 query problem. Essentially, what looks like a straightforward data fetch can trigger an avalanche of unnecessary queries, creating a domino effect that slows everything down and dampens the user experience. But here’s the good part, our team invested time and work on this and saw some impressive gains, boosting performance up to 10x in certain areas. By pinpointing and beefing up those slower endpoints, we’ve significantly upped our app’s performance and responsiveness.