Improve database performance by removing overhead and fragmentation.
Steps
- DirectAdmin → MySQL Management
- Check box next to database(s)
- Click Check/Optimize
What Each Does
Check:
- Scans for errors
- No changes made
- Safe to run anytime
Optimize:
- Rebuilds table indexes
- Removes deleted row space
- Defragments data files
- Can temporarily lock tables
When to Optimize
- After deleting many records
- Slow query performance
- High overhead shown in phpMyAdmin
- Monthly maintenance
Check Overhead First
- MySQL Management → phpMyAdmin
- Select database
- Look for "Overhead" column
- Red values = needs optimization
Optimization Impact
- Small databases: Few seconds, minimal impact
- Large databases: Can take minutes, locks tables
- Best time: Low traffic periods
Alternative Method
Via phpMyAdmin:
- Select all tables
- Choose "Optimize table" from dropdown
Results
- "OK" - Already optimized
- "Table is already up to date" - No optimization needed
- "Optimized" - Successfully defragmented
