In the first chapter of this book, we used the mysqlslap tool to learn how to do basic MySQL benchmarking. In this chapter, we will use this tool and others to do more advanced benchmarking with our MariaDB (MySQL) server. But, first, we will learn query optimization techniques that will use some of MySQL's built-in features in order to better analyze our SQL queries.

Thus, we will learn how to measure and optimize database performance through the use of simple measurement techniques such as query optimization. Also, we will see how to use advanced database benchmarking tools, such as DBT2 and SysBench.

Therefore, we will cover the following points:

• Measuring and optimizing SQL query performance
• Installing, configuring and using advanced database benchmarking tools