How to Guide: Testing Your Oracle Database

Just like any other software or hardware system, a database requires regular testing to make it is efficient and Oracle Databases are no different.

The database is tested on multiple parameters including memory, filesystem, CPU processing speed, applications, I/O subsystem, and the hardware connected to it. Testing frequency depends on your use of the database; for example, if you are a recruitment company, you’ll need to test it more frequently than an automotive parts company.

First Things First – Performing an Oracle Real Application Test

To successfully test your Oracle database, you will need to perform the Oracle Real Application Test. It is broadly divided into two types, depending upon its use.

1. SQL Performance Analyzer – to analyse configuration changes, database upgrade, and user or schema changes

2. Database Replay – to analyse efficiency of your database memory, CPU processing capacity, storage, operating system changes and patching, and I/O changes to Real Application Cluster nodes.

Steps to Help You Test an Oracle Database

Before you begin the tests, set a benchmark, which you can call a Pre-Change trial to compare the results you get.
SQL Performance Analyzer

Step 1. Open Enterprise Manager and scroll down to find SQL Performance Analyzer.

Step 2. Decide what SQL statements you want from the testing, for example the workload. To do so, you’ll have to open the SQL Tuning Set. Since the analyzer takes up a lot of resources, you should run the test when you aren’t working.

Step 3. Put the SQL Tuning Set in a stimulant position and create a SQL Performance Analyzer task.

Step 4. Once SQL Tuning Set and SQL Performance Analyzer are set, it is time to build an infrastructure on your computer. If you are running the test on a test system, make sure it is as identical to production system as possible. This means the hardware, software, and storage all have to be the same. You will have to configure it to the analyzer using the Enterprise Manager.

Step 5. Perform the Post-Change trial. When you get the results, you’ll have two tests to compare — Pre-Change trial and Post-Change trial.

Database Replay

Here is what you need to do when it comes to working with the database replay:

Step 1. Gather all requests made by your customers on a file system and title it “Capture Files”. These requests might be related to transaction information, binds, SQL, and procedures.

Step 2. Create metadata for all the requests. The testing takes up a lot of resources, so we advise you to run it on a test system instead of your production system. If you don’t have a test system, run the test on your main system during non-peak hours.

Step 3. Replay the workload on your system.

Step 4. Once the replay is done, you will be able to view the report. You can test for other parameters.

Make sure you save all test results for future use and documentation. When you are starting a new test, make sure you reset to default settings.

The Three Testing Tools You Will Need

Three testing that you need to perform regularly include:
1. Storage testing – to check where there’s enough resources to handle the processing.
2. CPU processing testing – to find the speed of your CPU.
3. Memory testing – to make sure there is enough memory in your database for storing data.

Please note, all of these have a specific structure, which you need to understand before the testing.