Oracle's Automatic Workload Repository (AWR) [i.e. through the Diagnostic and Tuning Pack separately licensed capabilities] encompasses two integral components: the diagnostic part and the tuning part. The diagnostic part equips users with essential data and tools for comprehensive root cause analysis, enabling them to delve into performance issues and identify the underlying causes. On the other hand, the tuning part provides a rich array of tools and data that greatly simplify the process of formulating effective tuning action plans, empowering users to optimize system performance with confidence and efficiency.
AWR is Not Just for DBA’s:
Did you know that there are specific privileges available to non-DBAs that can greatly assist you in developing efficient and high-performing database applications? These privileges are associated with the Diagnostic and Tuning Pack [licensed separately], which provides valuable tools and features for performance optimization.
Sadly, in many organizations, the Diagnostic and Tuning Pack privileges have remained closely guarded secrets, limited to the domain of DBAs due to concerns about potential misuse or unauthorized access. However, it's time to recognize the untapped treasure trove of benefits that lie dormant within these privileges.
Imagine harnessing the expertise of not just DBAs, but also qualified non-DBAs possessing detailed domain and application knowledge—the very individuals who hold the keys to solving complex performance problems. By extending the Diagnostic and Tuning Pack privileges to these talented individuals, organizations can tap into a broader pool of expertise, sparking a dynamic collaboration that transcends traditional boundaries.
The result? A revolution in efficient database application development. By empowering non-DBAs to dive deep into the performance optimization realm, organizations can distribute the workload, unleash innovation, and embark on a proactive journey toward optimal performance.
Think of the possibilities: faster applications, unrivaled user experiences, and systems that effortlessly handle even the most demanding workloads. The Diagnostic and Tuning Pack privileges become a catalyst for unlocking the true potential of your database infrastructure.
So, it's time to break free from the chains of tradition and embrace a new paradigm. Extend these privileges to those who hold the domain knowledge, the application insights, and the passion to drive your organization forward. Together, let's embark on a transformative journey of efficient database application development, proactive performance optimization, and ultimately, enhanced overall system performance.
The time has come to unlock the hidden potential. Will you seize the opportunity?
Introduction:
In a bustling software development company, non-DBAs like application developers and performance architects/engineers play a crucial role in creating efficient and high-performing database applications. To empower them in their work, the effective organization recognizes the value of providing these non-DBAs with the necessary privileges associated with the Diagnostic and Tuning Pack.
With these privileges, non-DBAs gain the ability to fine-tune the performance of their applications and develop efficient database code. They dive into the intricate workings of the database, using diagnostic and tuning features to identify performance bottlenecks, analyze SQL execution plans, and optimize queries. Armed with these insights, they craft data models, design queries, and make informed decisions on indexing and data access strategies. The result is applications that run faster, deliver an exceptional user experience, and handle increased user loads with ease.
This delegation of privileges doesn't just benefit the non-DBAs; it also proves advantageous for the DBAs themselves. By granting these privileges, DBAs offload some of the performance-related workload to non-DBAs who possess a deep understanding of the application's intricacies. This distribution of tasks allows DBAs to focus on critical database administration duties such as backup and recovery, security management, and overall system maintenance.
Moreover, the collaboration between DBAs and non-DBAs strengthens as these privileges are extended beyond just the DBAs. DBAs and non-DBAs work hand in hand, sharing insights, and collectively tackling performance challenges. The collaboration promotes a better understanding of the database system across the development team and encourages the development of efficient database applications from the very beginning.
By leveraging the Diagnostic and Tuning Pack privileges, the organization fosters a culture of proactive performance optimization. Non-DBAs take the lead in diagnosing and resolving performance issues, leading to applications that run seamlessly, satisfy end-user expectations, and maximize the utilization of the underlying database resources.
In this symbiotic relationship, both non-DBAs and DBAs benefit. The non-DBAs gain the necessary privileges to optimize their applications, while the DBAs witness a reduction in workload and the development of highly performant database applications. Together, they drive the organization towards greater efficiency, improved user experience, and optimized database systems.
Further details on the rationale for having and giving these privileges:
A non-DBA might require the privileges associated with the Diagnostic and Tuning Pack for several reasons:
1. Performance Tuning: Non-DBAs, such as application developers or performance engineers, often work closely with the database to optimize the performance of their applications. Having access to diagnostic and tuning features allows them to identify and resolve performance bottlenecks, analyze SQL execution plans, and fine-tune queries to improve overall application performance.
2. Efficient Database Application Development: By utilizing the Diagnostic and Tuning Pack, non-DBAs can gain insights into the database's behavior and performance characteristics. This information helps them develop efficient database applications by designing appropriate data models, creating efficient queries, and making informed decisions about indexing and data access strategies.
3. Troubleshooting and Debugging: Non-DBAs may encounter issues related to database performance (prior to deploying to production), such as slow queries or resource contention. With the Diagnostic and Tuning Pack privileges, they can diagnose and troubleshoot these problems using various tools and views, enabling them to identify the root causes and propose solutions.
On the other hand, granting these privileges to non-DBAs can be beneficial for DBAs as well:
1. Workload Offloading: By granting access to diagnostic and tuning capabilities, DBAs can delegate some performance-related tasks to non-DBAs who are familiar with the application and its specific requirements. This helps distribute the workload and allows DBAs to focus on other critical database administration tasks.
2. Collaboration and Efficiency: Granting these privileges encourages collaboration between DBAs and non-DBAs. It enables developers and performance engineers to work closely with DBAs, share insights, and collectively address performance challenges. This collaboration promotes the development of efficient database applications and fosters a better understanding of the database system among the development team.
3. Performance Optimization: Granting the Diagnostic and Tuning Pack privileges to non-DBAs empowers them to proactively identify and resolve performance issues. This can lead to better-performing applications, improved user experience, and overall optimization of the database system.
By carefully managing the privileges and promoting collaboration between DBAs and non-DBAs, organizations can leverage the Diagnostic and Tuning Pack features to ensure optimal performance and efficient database application development.
Privileges:
Privileges that a non-DBA would typically need to utilize the capabilities of the Diagnostic and Tuning Pack license in an Oracle Enterprise Edition database. However, please note that specific privilege requirements may vary depending on the exact features and tasks being performed. Here are some common privileges:
1. SELECT_CATALOG_ROLE: This role grants the user read-only access to data dictionary views and dynamic performance views, which are essential for diagnostic and tuning activities.
2. ADVISOR privilege: The user might need the ADVISOR privilege to run advisors and access advisor-related views. This privilege allows the user to generate recommendations and suggestions for tuning and optimization.
3. ADMINISTER SQL TUNING SET privilege: If the user intends to use SQL Tuning Sets, this privilege is required. It allows the user to manage and manipulate SQL statements in the tuning set.
4. ADMINISTER SQL MANAGEMENT OBJECT privilege: If SQL Plan Management is utilized, this privilege is necessary. It enables the user to create and modify SQL Plan Baselines.
5. V$% and DBA_% views privileges: Depending on the specific monitoring and diagnostic tasks, the user might need additional privileges to access various V$% and DBA_% views related to performance monitoring and troubleshooting.
It's important to note that granting these privileges should be done with caution, and it is generally recommended to limit access to the Diagnostic and Tuning Pack features to trusted and qualified individuals.
Please keep in mind that Oracle's licensing and privilege requirements may evolve over time, so it's advisable to consult the official Oracle documentation and licensing agreements for the most up-to-date information.
Minimum AWR Privileges:
The below script is a good starting point for granting a minimum set of AWR privileges to non-DBA’s.
A few of these can be constrained further, for example:
- You don’t really need unlimited quota on users tablespace, so adjust per your needs.
- SELECT ANY DICTIONARY and SELECT CATALOG priv’s are broad, but not too broad; you could restrict to the specific views, but that can be a pain in the neck is you miss some.
- Having EXP_/IMP_FULL_DATABASE roles would probably only be used by someone in a broad support role across apps in the DB.
/* i.e. standard method for schema owner for testing solutions */create user awr_user identified by <redacted>; grant create session to awr_user; grant connect,resource to awr_user;ALTER USER awr_user quota unlimited on users;/* read underlying Advisor and AWR dictionary views */grant select any dictionary to awr_user; /* read certain fixed (g)v$views e.g. cursor cache views */grant select_catalog_role to awr_user; /* For using the tools in the advisor framework */grant execute on dbms_workload_repository to awr_user;grant advisor to awr_user; /* For SQL Tuning Set subprograms (may be under ADVISOR) */grant ADMINISTER SQL TUNING SET to awr_user; grant ADMINISTER ANY SQL TUNING SET to awr_user; grant ADMINISTER SQL MANAGEMENT OBJECT to awr_user; /* For running ACCEPT_SQL_PROFILE */grant CREATE ANY SQL PROFILE to awr_user; /* For running ALTER_SQL_PROFILE */grant ALTER ANY SQL PROFILE to awr_user; /* For running DROP_SQL_PROFILE */grant DROP ANY SQL PROFILE to awr_user; /* plus, to run SQL Tuning Advisor (STA) on someone else’s code [STA will fail in parse if you don’t have access. STA does not ever change anyone’s data]: SELECT for regular queries EXECUTE on PL/SQL that may be embedded INSERT/UPDATE/DELETE for these kinds of statements This can be done at APP level on a case by case basis or DB level with: EXP_FULL_DATABASE/IMP_FULL_DATABASE roles*/
Side Bar Note:
I often make a metaphorical distinction between finding a needle in a haystack versus finding a specific needle in a stack of needles. While finding a needle in a haystack can be challenging, the task becomes even more difficult when the search is narrowed down to a specific needle in a stack of similar needles.
When there is a stack of similar needles, it can be challenging to differentiate and identify the specific needle you're looking for. The similarities among the needles make it harder to distinguish the unique characteristics or features that set the desired needle apart from the rest. This complexity adds an additional layer of difficulty to the search process.
In the context of performance bottleneck identification, it is my opinion that the needle in a needle stack metaphor accurately reflects the challenge of pinpointing a specific issue when multiple similar components or factors are involved. It highlights the need for careful analysis, attention to detail, and the utilization of appropriate diagnostic tools or techniques to identify the precise performance bottleneck among the multitude of possibilities. So, tool up and become fluent in the skillful use of tools and capabilities embedded in Oracle’s AWR which will make it easier for you to find and address specific performance bottlenecks. I’m planning a blog series that will hopefully encourage experimentation and a scientific approach to problem solving by introducing analytical techniques as well as highlight where to look in the AWR to help pinpoint root causes to specific kinds of problems (e.g. TEMP, REDO, UNDO, IO, CPU, Memory, Network, etc.).