In MySQL, the optimal join methods and join orders are crucial for query performance, especially when dealing with large datasets. The efficiency of a join operation largely depends on how MySQL processes the data from the tables involved in the join. Here's an overview of join methods and how MySQL determines the optimal order:

Join Methods in MySQL

1. Nested Loop Join

• Description: Each row from the first table (outer table) is compared with rows from the second table (inner table).
• Use Case: Efficient for small-to-medium-sized tables or when effective indexes are available.

2. Block Nested Loop Join

• Description: An enhancement of the nested loop that reduces I/O by buffering rows of the outer table and comparing them in blocks to the inner table.
• Use Case: Useful when joining large tables where indexes don’t fully eliminate the need for row scans.

3. Index Join

• Description: Utilizes indexes on the join columns. This method can be very fast if the join columns are indexed.
• Use Case: Ideal when there are indexes on the joining columns, especially for equi-joins.

4. Hash Join (MySQL 8.0+)

• Description: Builds an in-memory hash table on the smaller table and then probes this hash table using rows from the larger table.
• Use Case: Effective for large tables with no useful indexes on join columns, mainly used in equi-join conditions.

5. Sort-Merge Join

• Description: Both tables are sorted on the join columns and then merged. This method is less common in MySQL.
• Use Case: Can be useful in certain scenarios where other joins are inefficient, particularly for large row sets.

Determining the Join Order

• Cost-Based Optimization: MySQL uses a cost-based approach to determine the join order. It evaluates different join orders and methods based on the estimated cost, which includes factors like I/O, CPU usage, and cardinality of data.
• Statistics and Indexes: The optimizer uses table statistics and indexes to estimate costs. Good index coverage can significantly influence the chosen join method and order.
• Straight Join and Force Index: You can influence join order and index usage using STRAIGHT_JOIN or FORCE INDEX hints, though it’s generally recommended to let the optimizer choose unless you have a compelling reason.

Practical Tips

• Index Optimization: Ensure that the columns used in join conditions are indexed.
• Analyze Query Plans: Use EXPLAIN or EXPLAIN ANALYZE to understand how MySQL plans to execute your joins.
• Consider Join Buffer Size: For block nested loop joins, adjusting the join_buffer_size can improve performance.
• Query Refactoring: Sometimes, rewriting a query or breaking it into subqueries can result in a more efficient execution plan.

Conclusion

The optimal join method and order in MySQL are determined by the query optimizer based on the structure of the tables, the presence of indexes, and the specifics of the query. Understanding these join methods and how MySQL executes them can help in writing more efficient queries and troubleshooting performance issues. However, it's important to balance manual interventions with trust in MySQL's cost-based optimizer.