MySQL deep pagination is a common performance bottleneck where queries with large OFFSET values become increasingly slow. This occurs because MySQL must scan and discard many rows before returning the desired page. The article explores several optimization techniques, including using keyset pagination (WHERE clause based on last seen value), covering indexes to reduce I/O, and limiting the number of rows scanned. These methods can dramatically improve query performance for applications with large datasets. For backend engineers and database administrators, understanding these strategies is crucial for maintaining responsive applications. The article provides a clear, practical approach to solving this issue without requiring major architectural changes.
This article explains why MySQL deep pagination with large OFFSET values becomes slow and offers solutions. It is a practical guide for optimizing database queries in production systems.