Re: Query optimization with X Y JOIN

First, this isn't really the right place to ask -- this forum is about performance, not SQL syntax.

Second, this isn't a question anyone can answer in a reasonable length of time. What you're asking for usually is taught in a class on relational database theory, which is typically a semester or two in college.

If you really need a crash course, dig around on the web for terms like "SQL Tutorial".

Good luck,
Craig

J(at)Planeti(dot)Biz wrote:
> Hey guys, how u been. This is quite a newbie question, but I need to ask
> it. I'm trying to wrap my mind around the syntax of join and why and
> when to use it. I understand the concept of making a query go faster by
> creating indexes, but it seems that when I want data from multiple
> tables that link together the query goes slow. The slow is typically due
> to expensive nested loops. The reason is, all my brain understands is:
>
> select
> tablea.data
> tableb.data
> tablec.data
> from
> tablea
> tableb
> tablec
> where
> tablea.pri_key = tableb.foreign_key AND
> tableb.pri_key = tablec.foreign_key AND...
>
> From what I read, it seems you can use inner/outer right/left join on
> (bla) but when I see syntax examples I see that sometimes tables are
> omitted from the 'from' section of the query and other times, no.
> Sometimes I see that the join commands are nested and others, no and
> sometimes I see joins syntax that only applies to one table. From what I
> understand join can be used to tell the database the fast way to murge
> table data together to get results by specifiying the table that has the
> primary keys and the table that has the foreign keys.
>
> I've read all through the postgres docs on this command and I'm still
> left lost. Can someone please explain to me in simple language how to
> use these commands or provide me with a link. I need it to live right
> now. Thanx.
>
>