wp-performance/references/database.md

Database / query performance

Use this file when profiling points to DB time or high query counts.

Common fixes:

• Avoid N+1 query patterns (batch queries, prime caches, avoid per-row lookups).
• Prefer fields => 'ids' when you only need IDs.
• Avoid expensive meta queries where possible; consider indexing or schema changes.
• Use object caching for repeated reads.

Tools (backend-only):

• Query Monitor (REST headers/envelope) for query lists and stack traces.
• wp db query for targeted SQL/explain (be careful in prod).

References:

• Query Monitor plugin: https://wordpress.org/plugins/query-monitor/