How to improve query performance of your apps [Free course]

Once you build a sample application, the logical next step is to improve its query performance and functionality. This may include tasks like adding indexes, reviewing the query execution plan, and optimizing sorting performance. Well… we’ve designed a free Cockroach University course to help you do just that!

CockroachDB Query Performance for Developers introduces you to key CockroachDB features that will help you improve your application and take your understanding of CockroachDB to the next level. Continue reading to learn more about this course!

Who should take Query Performance for Developers ?

As the name suggests, this course is designed for developers but will also be useful for database administrators, system architects, and others involved in the application development process. It’s helpful to have experience with application development and some familiarity with SQL prior to enrolling.

Additionally, before taking this course, we recommend taking either of our fundamental developer courses, which walk you through how to build a full-stack vehicle-sharing application:

If you are brand new to CockroachDB and distributed SQL technology, check out the courses in our “Getting Started” series: Introduction to CockroachDB and Distributed SQL and Practical First Steps with CockroachDB. (Note: if you pass the Practical First Steps with CockroachDB final exam, we will mail you free Cockroach-branded swag!)

What does the Query Performance for Developers course include?

This course is self-paced and will take you approximately 2 hours to complete [see the syllabus here]. Specifically, this course includes:

Nine videos
Eleven hands-on labs
A final exam

During the course, you will create your own CockroachDB cluster in the cloud using CockroachDB Dedicated Free, then connect to your cluster using the SQL shell installed on your desktop. Then, you will learn how to:

Analyze a query execution plan
Add indexes to avoid expensive full table scans
Improve sorting performance
Efficiently query fields in JSON records

At the end of the course, there will be a final exam to test your knowledge. When you pass, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. We encourage you to share your Certificate of Completion on LinkedIn (tag @cockroach-labs) or Twitter (tag @cockroachDB) to show off your new skills!

What if I have questions?

If you have questions or feedback, we encourage you to join the #cockroach-university channel in our CockroachDB Community Slack, where our team is available to chat.

Since CockroachDB is Postgres-wire compatible, it speaks SQL and has a familiar look and feel to many developers. However, we recommend taking a look at our docs pages for references on things like installing and using the CockroachDB SQL shell and SQL command syntax.

What’s next?

You can get started today for free here. We have several more courses planned for the rest of this year starting with a course on schema design. Follow us on social media (LinkedIn, Twitter) for more updates on Cockroach University and new courses.

We hope you enjoy this course and always welcome your feedback. Thanks for your interest in advancing your education with CockroachDB!