Query rewriting in MySQL improves performance, readability, or compatibility by transforming SQL queries into equivalent, more efficient forms without altering results. 1. It enhances performance by enabling better index usage, such as rewriting WHERE YEAR(order_date) = 2023 as WHERE order_date >= '2023-01-01' AND order_date
Query rewriting in MySQL refers to the process of modifying an SQL query—either automatically by the database system or manually by a developer—to improve performance, readability, or compatibility, without changing the result it produces.

MySQL doesn't have a built-in "query rewrite engine" like some other databases (e.g., Oracle), but query rewriting can still happen through several mechanisms and tools. Here's how it works and why it helps:
1. What Is Query Rewriting?
Query rewriting means transforming a SQL statement into a logically equivalent one that executes more efficiently or meets certain requirements.

For example:
-- Original query SELECT * FROM orders WHERE YEAR(order_date) = 2023;
This uses a function on a column, which can prevent index usage. It can be rewritten as:

-- Rewritten query SELECT * FROM orders WHERE order_date >= '2023-01-01' AND order_date < '2024-01-01';
This version can use an index on order_date
, making it faster.
2. How Can Query Rewriting Help?
? Improves Query Performance
Rewriting queries to use indexes effectively is one of the biggest benefits. Avoiding functions on indexed columns, simplifying joins, or reducing subqueries can significantly speed up execution.
? Enables Better Index Usage
As shown above, rewriting conditions to be index-friendly (e.g., using range conditions instead of LIKE '%value'
or functions on columns) helps the optimizer choose better execution plans.
? Reduces Load on the Database
Simpler, optimized queries consume fewer resources (CPU, memory, I/O), which improves scalability and reduces contention.
? Supports Application Refactoring Without Code Changes
Using tools like the MySQL Query Rewrite Plugin, you can intercept and modify queries at runtime. This allows you to fix slow queries in legacy apps without touching the application code.
3. Tools for Query Rewriting in MySQL
? MySQL Query Rewrite Plugin (Enterprise Feature)
Available in MySQL Enterprise Edition, this plugin lets you define rewrite rules for incoming queries.
Example: You register a rule to rewrite:
SELECT * FROM users WHERE id = ?
into:
SELECT id, name, email FROM users WHERE id = ?
to avoid SELECT *
and reduce data transfer.
Steps:
- Install the plugin:
INSTALL PLUGIN rewrite_queries SONAME 'rewrite_queries.so';
- Add a rewrite rule using
INSERT INTO query_rewrite_rules(...)
- Load the rule:
CALL query_rewrite.flush_rewrite_rules();
Now, matching queries are automatically rewritten before execution.
? Proxy-Based Rewriting (e.g., ProxySQL)
Tools like ProxySQL sit between your app and MySQL and can rewrite queries on the fly. This is useful for caching, routing, or fixing queries before they reach MySQL.
? Application-Level Rewriting
Developers or ORMs can rewrite queries before sending them. While not automatic, this gives full control.
4. Common Query Rewriting Techniques
-
Replace
IN
withEXISTS
(especially with large subqueries) -
Avoid functions on indexed columns (e.g.,
WHERE YEAR(col) = 2023
) - Use proper JOINs instead of correlated subqueries
- Eliminate unnecessary columns or tables
- Convert
OR
conditions toUNION
when beneficial - Limit result sets early with
LIMIT
or push down filters
Bottom Line
Query rewriting—whether manual or automated—helps make queries faster and more efficient. While MySQL has limited native support (mainly via the Enterprise plugin), combining it with tools like ProxySQL or good coding practices can yield big performance gains, especially in large-scale or legacy systems.
Basically, if a query can be written better without changing what it returns, rewriting it is worth considering.
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