Oracle Database 23 AI for DBAs: Top 10 Performance-Boosting Features

Oracle Database 23 AI (also known as 23ai) is packed with over 300 new features designed to boost performance, security, and usability. By integrating advanced AI capabilities, the latest release empowers database administrators and developers to fine-tune their environments more efficiently. Here are the top 10 new features and how they can help drive better performance:

1. JSON Relational Duality

JSON Relational Duality allows seamless coexistence between JSON and relational data models, enabling developers to work with the best data representation for each use case.
Example Scenario: An e-commerce system storing user profiles as JSON documents can transparently join this data with transactional relational data, resulting in faster, more versatile queries without expensive transformations Oracle 23ai New Features « All about Database Administration, Tips & Tricks Top 20 Features in Oracle Database 23c for DBAs – Part-1.

2. Automatic Indexing Enhancements

The improved automatic indexing feature continuously monitors the workload and creates or adjusts indexes as necessary. This reduces the overhead of manual index management and ensures that queries run optimally.
Example Scenario: A high-traffic online transaction processing system automatically benefits from up-to-date indexing without constant human intervention, leading to sustained performance during peak hours Oracle 23ai New Features « All about Database Administration, Tips & Tricks.

3. Blockchain Tables

Blockchain Tables provide tamper-evident, immutable storage, ensuring data integrity while maintaining high performance in critical applications.
Example Scenario: In financial services, where audit trails are mandatory, blockchain tables secure transaction records and prevent unauthorized modifications, ensuring compliance alongside speedy access Oracle 23ai New Features « All about Database Administration, Tips & Tricks.

4. Native JSON Data Type

By storing JSON documents in a binary, highly optimized format, this feature offers faster querying and lower storage overhead than prior implementations using VARCHAR2 or CLOB.
Example Scenario: A content management application that frequently updates and queries document-centric data can now experience significant performance enhancements and simplified schema designs Oracle 23ai New Features « All about Database Administration, Tips & Tricks.

5. SQL Macro

SQL Macros let developers encapsulate complex SQL logic that’s expanded at parse time rather than runtime. This not only simplifies code maintenance but also reduces execution overhead.
Example Scenario: A reporting tool relying on complex, repetitive SQL can use macros to standardize queries, ensuring a leaner execution plan and improved response times Oracle 23ai New Features « All about Database Administration, Tips & Tricks.

6. Oracle Machine Learning Enhancements

Built-in machine learning capabilities within the database help predict query performance trends, detect anomalies, and suggest optimizations in real time.
Example Scenario: A retail chain anticipating seasonal spikes in sales leverages ML algorithms to predict load increases and proactively adjust resource allocation, ensuring uninterrupted performance Oracle 23ai New Features « All about Database Administration, Tips & Tricks Oracle Database 23ai sets new industry standard for a modern AI database.

7. In-Memory Column Store Enhancements

Enhancements to the in-memory column store enable ultra-fast analytics by keeping frequently queried data in memory, reducing disk I/O delays.
Example Scenario: Business intelligence applications running complex analytical queries benefit from this high-speed data access, empowering real-time insights even during high concurrency periods Oracle 23ai New Features « All about Database Administration, Tips & Tricks.

8. Automatic SQL Plan Management (SPM)

With automatic SQL Plan Management, the database continuously collects real-time data to adjust query execution plans, reducing performance degradation over time.
Example Scenario: Dynamic workloads that experience varying query patterns can see consistent performance, as the system adapts execution plans to current workloads without manual tuning Oracle 23ai New Features « All about Database Administration, Tips & Tricks.

9. High-Frequency Statistics Collection

This feature allows for the rapid collection of performance metrics, which are essential for diagnosing and addressing potential bottlenecks almost as they emerge.
Example Scenario: A live streaming service that must adapt to abrupt load changes uses high-frequency statistics to promptly pinpoint issues and apply corrective measures, maintaining an uninterrupted user experience Oracle 23ai New Features « All about Database Administration, Tips & Tricks.

10. Automatic Index Optimization

Going beyond traditional indexing, the new enhancements include dynamic adjustments that refine indexes continuously based on evolving data patterns and query performance.
Example Scenario: For a social media platform where user interactions create ever-changing workloads, automatic index optimization ensures that the database always uses the most effective indexing strategy, thereby reducing query latency Oracle 23ai New Features « All about Database Administration, Tips & Tricks.

Conclusion

Oracle Database 23 AI not only introduces groundbreaking features that make database management more intelligent but also focuses on optimizing performance at every level. Whether it’s through smart indexing, in-memory analytics, or seamless integration of JSON and relational data, these enhancements translate to tangible benefits across diverse scenarios. As organizations increasingly rely on high-performance, AI-integrated systems, Oracle Database 23 AI positions itself as a critical tool to future-proof your data environment Oracle 23ai New Features « All about Database Administration, Tips & Tricks Top 20 Features in Oracle Database 23c for DBAs – Part-1 Oracle Database 23ai sets new industry standard for a modern AI database.

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