What key performance indicators should database monitoring focus on?

Database monitoring should focus on several key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and security. Here are some essential KPIs:

1. Response Time: Measures the time taken for the database to respond to a query or request. A high response time can indicate performance issues.

   • Example: If a query that usually takes 100 milliseconds starts taking 500 milliseconds, it might be a sign of a problem.

2. Throughput: Refers to the number of transactions or queries processed per unit of time. Monitoring throughput helps in understanding the database's capacity and load handling.

   • Example: A sudden drop in the number of transactions per second could indicate a bottleneck.

3. CPU and Memory Usage: High CPU or memory usage can lead to performance degradation. Monitoring these metrics helps in identifying resource-intensive queries or processes.

   • Example: If CPU usage consistently exceeds 90%, it might be necessary to optimize queries or scale resources.

4. Disk I/O: Measures the speed at which data is read from and written to the disk. High disk I/O wait times can slow down database performance.

   • Example: High disk latency can cause delays in query execution.

5. Connection Counts: Monitoring the number of active connections helps in identifying potential issues like connection leaks or overloading.

   • Example: A sudden spike in the number of connections might indicate a DDoS attack or a misconfigured application.

6. Query Performance: Analyzing slow queries can help in optimizing database performance.

   • Example: Identifying and optimizing queries that take longer than a certain threshold (e.g., 2 seconds) can significantly improve performance.

7. Backup and Recovery: Ensuring regular backups and testing recovery processes are crucial for data integrity and availability.

   • Example: Regularly scheduled backups and periodic recovery tests help in maintaining data security.

8. Security Metrics: Monitoring for unauthorized access attempts, failed login attempts, and other security-related events is essential.

   • Example: Tracking the number of failed login attempts can help in detecting potential security breaches.

For effective database monitoring, especially in cloud environments, services like Tencent Cloud's Database Management Center offer comprehensive monitoring and management capabilities. This includes real-time performance monitoring, alerting, and automated optimization features to help maintain database health and performance.