The process of counting the rows in a table is one that developers frequently come with while working with SQL databases. For this purpose, COUNT(*) and COUNT(1) are two often used functions. Contrary to popular belief, there aren't any significant performance disparities between the two.

Understanding the Functions

• COUNT(*): This function counts the total number of rows in a table, including those with NULL values.
• COUNT(1): This function also counts the total number of rows in a table, regardless of NULL values.

Performance
The results of COUNT(*) and COUNT(1) are not significantly different, despite what the general public believes. These functions are efficiently optimized by modern database engines, which handle them nearly in the same way. Hardware resources, query complexity, indexing, and other factors have a greater impact on query performance.

Best Practices
Consistency: For better code readability and maintainability, it's generally recommended to use COUNT(*).
Focus on optimization: Instead of spending time debating COUNT(*) vs COUNT(1), concentrate on optimizing your SQL queries through proper indexing and query structure.

Conclusion
While there is a technical distinction between COUNT(*) and COUNT(1), it has no practical impact on query performance. Prioritize code readability and maintainability by opting for COUNT(*). By understanding this fundamental concept and focusing on query optimization, you can write more efficient and effective SQL code.

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