What maintenance process should a database administrator prioritize to improve execution performance for slow requests?

• A. Query optimization
• B. Table normalization
• C. Increase indexing
• D. User access management

Answer: (A)

Focusing on query optimization is essential for improving execution performance for slow requests in a database. Query optimization involves analyzing and modifying SQL queries to ensure they run efficiently, taking into account the structure of the database and the way data is accessed. This process can significantly reduce the execution time of queries, especially in scenarios where large datasets are involved or when complex operations are performed.

When queries are optimized, the database management system can make better use of resources, potentially leading to faster data retrieval and improved overall performance. This includes rewriting queries for better performance, using appropriate joins, and ensuring that only necessary data is selected, which can alleviate bottlenecks and enhance user experience.

While increasing indexing can also help improve performance, it does not directly address the inefficiencies in the queries themselves. Similarly, table normalization aids in reducing redundancy and improving data integrity but does not inherently optimize the execution of queries. User access management, while crucial for security and control within the database, does not impact the performance of query execution. By prioritizing query optimization, a database administrator can directly tackle slow request issues and enhance performance effectively.