[uuvs8]

> If you are only selecting a single row, a join will be instantaneous.

Exactly. It's not like the join materializes explicitly in memory.

This has all been known for decades since the beginning of relational databases. That's why taking a DB class is valuable, or at least reading a good DB fundamentals book.

[pletnes]

Would you care to mention such a book? In the unlikely event that I ever encounter an individual that would need it.

[arpora]

Database System Concepts by Silberschatz, Korth and Sudarshan is great.

I used the 5th edition, but have heard the 6th edition apparently regressed. There's now apparently a 7th edition that I can't comment on.