Laravel database optimization patterns. Use when writing Eloquent queries, creating migrations, configuring caching, debugging slow queries, or optimizing database performance. Triggers on tasks involving N+1 queries, indexing, Redis caching, pagination, or database transactions.

Laravel Database Optimization Comprehensive database optimization guide for Laravel 13 applications. Contains 33 rules across 9 categories for writing performant database queries, proper indexing, efficient caching, naming conventions, and debugging slow queries in Laravel 13. Metadata Version: 1.1.0 Framework: Laravel 13.x PHP: 8.3+ When to Apply Reference these guidelines when: Writing Eloquent queries or using the query builder Diagnosing and fixing N+1 query problems Adding database indexes to migrations Implementing Redis or cache based optimizations Paginating or processing large datasets Wrapping operations in database transactions Creating or modifying migrations for production databases Debugging slow queries with EXPLAIN or Laravel Debugbar Rule Categories by Priority Priority Category Impact Prefix 1 Query Performance & N+1 CRITICAL query 2 Indexing Strategies CRITICAL index 3 Eloquent Optimization HIGH eloquent 4 Caching with Redis HIGH cache 5 Pagination & Large Datasets HIGH data 6 Transactions & Locking HIGH lock 7 Migrations HIGH migrate 8 Query Debugging MEDIUM debug 9 Naming & Structure HIGH naming Quick Reference 1. Query Performance & N+1 (CRITICAL) query eager loading Use eager loading to eliminate N+1 queries query prevent lazy loading Prevent lazy loading in development query auto eager loading Configure automatic eager loading on models query select columns Select only needed columns instead of SELECT 2. Indexing Strategies (CRITICAL) index foreign keys Index all foreign key columns index composite indexes Create composite indexes for multi column queries index covering indexes Use covering indexes for read heavy queries index full text Use full text indexes for search functionality 3. Eloquent Optimization (HIGH) eloquent query builder hot paths Use query builder for performance critical paths eloquent with count aggregates Use withCount instead of loading relations to count eloquent subquery selects Use subquery selects to avoid extra queries eloquent where has optimization Optimize whereHas with whereIn subqueries 4. Caching with Redis (HIGH) cache remember Use Cache::remember for expensive queries cache invalidation Invalidate cache on model changes cache tags Use cache tags for group invalidation cache ttl Set appropriate TTL values for cached data 5. Pagination & Large Datasets (HIGH) data cursor pagination Use cursor pagination for large datasets data chunk by id Process large datasets with chunkById data cursor iteration Use lazy cursors for memory efficient iteration data avoid unbounded Never use unbounded queries on large tables 6. Transactions & Locking (HIGH) lock short transactions Keep transactions short and focused lock deadlock retry Implement deadlock retry logic lock pessimistic locking Use pessimistic locking for critical updates 7. Migrations (HIGH) migrate zero downtime Write zero downtime migrations migrate concurrent indexes Create indexes concurrently in production migrate safe column additions Add columns safely without locking tables 8. Query Debugging (MEDIUM) debug explain analyze Use EXPLAIN ANALYZE to understand query plans debug laravel debugbar Use Laravel Debugbar to find query bottlenecks debug slow query log Enable and monitor slow query logs 9. Naming & Structure (HIGH) naming tables Table naming conventions (plural snake case, pivot alphabetical) naming columns Column naming conventions (FKs, booleans, timestamps, polymorphic) naming relationships Relationship method naming (singular/plural matching) naming migrations Migration and index naming conventions Essential Patterns Prevent Lazy Loading in Development Cache Expensive Queries with Redis Cursor Pagination for Large Datasets Aggregate Counts Without Loading Relations Process Large Datasets with chunkById Short Database Transactions How to Use Read individual rule files for detailed explanations and code examples: Each rule file contains: YAML frontmatter with metadata (title, impact, tags) Brief explanation of why it matters Bad Example with explanation Good Example with explanation Laravel 13 and PHP 8.3 specific context and references References [Laravel Eloquent](https://laravel.com/docs/13.x/eloquent) [Laravel Queries](https://laravel.com/docs/13.x/queries) [Laravel Cache](https://laravel.com/docs/13.x/cache) [Laravel Pagination](https://laravel.com/docs/13.x/pagination) [Laravel Migrations](https://laravel.com/docs/13.x/migrations) [Laravel Redis](https://laravel.com/docs/13.x/redis) Full Compiled Document For the complete guide with all rules expanded: AGENTS.md

laravel-database-optimization