Keeping Score

MySQL and PostgreSQL have become standard open source databases on the basis of their active developer communities, solid performance, and reliable operation.

Despite the power and flexibility of these SQL variants, the options for obtaining historical data on database usage are relatively limited. SQL monitoring tools typically focus on gross monitoring at the server level. The Extended Usage Statistics for SQL (ExtSQL) project is an effort to make a much wider range of statistical information available to database admins through simple commands at the SQL command line. In fact, ExtSQL provides advanced admin features for MySQL and PostgreSQL that are not even available in the "big brother" SQL vendors. Database admins can now use ExtSQL to monitor and account for server usage down to the individual database, user, or even connecting client.

Almost any variable available through the SHOW STATUS command can be tracked. For instance, To see a display of all user activity in hourly increments for the last 24 hours showing the number of queries of each type, enter:

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