Does `LIMIT 1` Speed Up MySQL Queries Returning a Single Row?

Does Using 'LIMIT 1' in MySQL Queries Enhance Speed with Single-Result Expectations?

When executing MySQL queries, adding a 'LIMIT 1' clause poses the question: does it expedite the search by halting after retrieving the first result or does it still gather all results before truncating at the end?

Answer:

The impact of a 'LIMIT' clause on performance varies depending on the query. In scenarios where you anticipate or know that only one result aligns with the query criteria, adding this clause can significantly improve efficiency. If the internal optimizer's execution plan is uncertain, such as when a WHERE clause fails to leverage an index, a 'LIMIT' clause is highly recommended.

For well-optimized queries that employ indexes on small tables, the performance difference may be negligible. However, regardless of the optimization level, if your objective is to retrieve solely one row, it's always advisable to include a 'LIMIT' clause.

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