SQL Practice Logo

SQLPractice Online

Understanding NULL Values in SQL: Performance

Module: Foundational Concepts

Nullable columns have slight overhead (NULL bitmap). Use NOT NULL for required fields. IS NULL queries can use indexes.

NOT NULL columns enable better optimization

IS NULL queries can use indexes

Nullable columns have slight overhead

Use NOT NULL for frequently queried columns

Using = NULL instead of IS NULL

Forgetting NULL in calculations

Assuming NOT (column = value) includes NULLs

Using COUNT(*) when you mean COUNT(column)