How do null values affect SQL performance?

How do null values affect SQL performance?

Null values can impact SQL performance by affecting indexing, query optimization, and join operations.

Can you explain how indexing is affected by null values?

Yes, indexes may not include rows with null values, which can lead to slower query performance if those rows are frequently accessed.

What about join operations? Do null values slow them down?

Yes, joins involving null values can be less efficient, as they may require additional processing to handle the nulls.

Are there any best practices to handle null values in SQL?

Yes, consider using default values, avoiding nulls in key columns, and optimizing queries to handle nulls effectively.