MySQL Best Practices

Core Principles

• Design schemas with appropriate storage engines (InnoDB for most use cases)
• Optimize queries using EXPLAIN and proper indexing
• Use proper data types to minimize storage and improve performance
• Implement connection pooling and query caching appropriately
• Follow MySQL-specific security hardening practices

Schema Design

Storage Engine Selection

• Use InnoDB as the default engine (ACID compliant, row-level locking)
• Consider MyISAM only for read-heavy, non-transactional workloads
• Use MEMORY engine for temporary tables with high-speed requirements