MR
Mayur Rathi
@github
⭐ 34.1k GitHub stars

Sql-Optimization

Sql-Optimization is an code AI skill with a core value of Universal SQL performance optimization assistant for comprehensive query tuning, indexing strategies, and database performance analysis across all SQL databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Oracle). It helps developers solve real-world problems in the code domain, boosting efficiency, automating repetitive tasks, and optimizing workflows.

Universal SQL performance optimization assistant for comprehensive query tuning, indexing strategies, and database performance analysis across all SQL databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Oracle)

Last verified on: 2026-07-14

Quick Facts

Category code
Works With Claude, GitHub Copilot
Source github/awesome-copilot
Stars ⭐ 34.1k
Last Verified 2026-07-14
Risk Level Low
mkdir -p ./skills/sql-optimization && curl -sfL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/github/awesome-copilot/main/skills/sql-optimization/SKILL.md -o ./skills/sql-optimization/SKILL.md

Run in terminal / PowerShell. Requires curl (Unix) or PowerShell 5+ (Windows).

Skill Content

# SQL Performance Optimization Assistant


Expert SQL performance optimization for ${selection} (or entire project if no selection). Focus on universal SQL optimization techniques that work across MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Oracle, and other SQL databases.


🎯 Core Optimization Areas


Query Performance Analysis

sql
-- ❌ BAD: Inefficient query patterns
SELECT * FROM orders o
WHERE YEAR(o.created_at) = 2024
  AND o.customer_id IN (
      SELECT c.id FROM customers c WHERE c.status = 'active'
  );

-- ✅ GOOD: Optimized query with proper indexing hints
SELECT o.id, o.customer_id, o.total_amount, o.created_at
FROM orders o
INNER JOIN customers c ON o.customer_id = c.id
WHERE o.created_at >= '2024-01-01' 
  AND o.created_at < '2025-01-01'
  AND c.status = 'active';

-- Required indexes:
-- CREATE INDEX idx_orders_created_at ON orders(created_at);
-- CREATE INDEX idx_customers_status ON customers(status);
-- CREATE INDEX idx_orders_customer_id ON orders(customer_id);

Index Strategy Optimization

sql
-- ❌ BAD: Poor indexing strategy
CREATE INDEX idx_user_data ON users(email, first_name, last_name, created_at);

-- ✅ GOOD: Optimized composite indexing
-- For queries filtering by email first, then sorting by created_at
CREATE INDEX idx_users_email_created ON users(email, created_at);

-- For full-text name searches
CREATE INDEX idx_users_name ON users(last_name, first_name);

-- For user status queries
CREATE INDEX idx_users_status_created ON users(status, created_at)
WHERE status IS NOT NULL;

Subquery Optimization

sql
-- ❌ BAD: Correlated subquery
SELECT p.product_name, p.price
FROM products p
WHERE p.price > (
    SELECT AVG(price) 
    FROM products p2 
    WHERE p2.category_id = p.category_id
);

-- ✅ GOOD: Window function approach
SELECT product_name, price
FROM (
    SELECT product_name, price,
           AVG(price) OVER (PARTITION BY category_id) as avg_category_price
    FROM products
) ranked
WHERE price > avg_category_price;

📊 Performance Tuning Techniques


JOIN Optimization

sql
-- ❌ BAD: Inefficient JOIN order and conditions
SELECT o.*, c.name, p.product_name
FROM orders o
LEFT JOIN customers c ON o.customer_id = c.id
LEFT JOIN order_items oi ON o.id = oi.order_id
LEFT JOIN products p ON oi.product_id = p.id
WHERE o.created_at > '2024-01-01'
  AND c.status = 'active';

-- ✅ GOOD: Optimized JOIN with filtering
SELECT o.id, o.total_amount, c.name, p.product_name
FROM orders o
INNER JOIN customers c ON o.customer_id = c.id AND c.status = 'active'
INNER JOIN order_items oi ON o.id = oi.order_id
INNER JOIN products p ON oi.product_id = p.id
WHERE o.created_at > '2024-01-01';

Pagination Optimization

sql
-- ❌ BAD: OFFSET-based pagination (slow for large offsets)
SELECT * FROM products 
ORDER BY created_at DESC 
LIMIT 20 OFFSET 10000;

-- ✅ GOOD: Cursor-based pagination
SELECT * FROM products 
WHERE created_at < '2024-06-15 10:30:00'
ORDER BY created_at DESC 
LIMIT 20;

-- Or using ID-based cursor
SELECT * FROM products 
WHERE id > 1000
ORDER BY id 
LIMIT 20;

Aggregation Optimization

sql
-- ❌ BAD: Multiple separate aggregation queries
SELECT COUNT(*) FROM orders WHERE status = 'pending';
SELECT COUNT(*) FROM orders WHERE status = 'shipped';
SELECT COUNT(*) FROM orders WHERE status = 'delivered';

-- ✅ GOOD: Single query with conditional aggregation
SELECT 
    COUNT(CASE WHEN status = 'pending' THEN 1 END) as pending_count,
    COUNT(CASE WHEN status = 'shipped' THEN 1 END) as shipped_count,
    COUNT(CASE WHEN status = 'delivered' THEN 1 END) as delivered_count
FROM orders;

🔍 Query Anti-Patterns


SELECT Performance Issues

sql
-- ❌ BAD: SELECT * anti-pattern
SELECT * FROM large_table lt
JOIN another_table at ON lt.id = at.ref_id;

-- ✅ GOOD: Explicit column selection
SELECT lt.id, lt.name, at.value
FROM large_table lt
JOIN another_table at ON lt.id = at.ref_id;

WHERE Clause Optimization

sql
-- ❌ BAD: Function calls in WHERE clause
SEL

🎯 Best For

  • Claude users
  • GitHub Copilot users
  • Software engineers
  • Development teams
  • Tech leads

💡 Use Cases

  • Code quality improvement
  • Best practice enforcement

📖 How to Use This Skill

  1. 1

    Install the Skill

    Copy the install command from the Terminal tab and run it. The SKILL.md file downloads to your local skills directory.

  2. 2

    Load into Your AI Assistant

    Open Claude or GitHub Copilot and reference the skill. Paste the SKILL.md content or use the system prompt tab.

  3. 3

    Apply Sql-Optimization to Your Work

    Open your project in the AI assistant and ask it to apply the skill. Start with a small module to verify the output quality.

  4. 4

    Review and Refine

    Review AI suggestions before committing. Run tests, check for regressions, and iterate on the skill output.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sql-Optimization compatible with Cursor and VS Code?

Yes — this skill works with any AI coding assistant including Cursor, VS Code with Copilot, and JetBrains IDEs.

Do I need specific dependencies for Sql-Optimization?

Check the install command and Works With section. Most code skills only require the AI assistant and your codebase.

How do I install Sql-Optimization?

Copy the install command from the Terminal tab and run it. The skill downloads to ./skills/sql-optimization/SKILL.md, ready to use.

Can I customize this skill for my team?

Absolutely. Edit the SKILL.md file to add team-specific instructions, examples, or workflows.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping validation

Always test AI-generated code changes, even for simple refactors.

Missing dependency updates

Check if the skill requires updated dependencies or new packages.

🔗 Related Skills