Index Scan With Fetch vs Index Only Scan

Developers should understand this concept when optimizing database queries, especially in performance-critical applications where query efficiency impacts response times meets developers should use index only scan when designing queries and indexes to optimize read-heavy workloads, such as analytical queries or reporting systems. Here's our take.

Index Scan With Fetch

Nice Pick

Developers should understand this concept when optimizing database queries, especially in performance-critical applications where query efficiency impacts response times

Pros

• It's crucial for scenarios involving non-covering indexes, such as SELECT queries that filter on indexed columns but return additional data, helping to diagnose and improve slow queries by analyzing execution plans
• Related to: database-indexing, query-optimization

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Index Only Scan

Developers should use Index Only Scan when designing queries and indexes to optimize read-heavy workloads, such as analytical queries or reporting systems

Pros

• It is particularly valuable in databases like PostgreSQL or MySQL for queries that filter and retrieve columns already indexed, as it minimizes disk access and speeds up response times
• Related to: database-indexing, query-optimization

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use Index Scan With Fetch if: You want it's crucial for scenarios involving non-covering indexes, such as select queries that filter on indexed columns but return additional data, helping to diagnose and improve slow queries by analyzing execution plans and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use Index Only Scan if: You prioritize it is particularly valuable in databases like postgresql or mysql for queries that filter and retrieve columns already indexed, as it minimizes disk access and speeds up response times over what Index Scan With Fetch offers.

The Bottom Line

Index Scan With Fetch wins

Developers should understand this concept when optimizing database queries, especially in performance-critical applications where query efficiency impacts response times