The heap or clustered index choice changes the reads of every scan. The demos measure forwarded records in a heap, a range query on both kinds of table, and the size of a nonclustered index on a wide key, and says when a heap is the right choice.
Challenges and Opportunities for DBAs in the Next 5-10 Years: How to Prepare
DBA challenges and opportunities call for skills we can practice now. I focus on recovery, performance and judgment as tools change.
sp_delete_database_backuphistory: Prune msdb Backup History
The sp_delete_database_backuphistory procedure removes the backup and restore history of one database from msdb, and sp_delete_backuphistory does it by age. The demo counts the rows of a database before and after the delete and previews the delete by age. The last sections explain how to keep the history small.
SQL SERVER 2022 – Last Valid Restore Time – Improved Backup Metadata
One significant addition to the backup metadata is the inclusion of the last valid restore time. In SQL Server 2022, a new improved backup metadata feature.
Finding Permissions Granted Directly to Users Instead of Roles
Find permissions granted directly to users, generate role-based review statements, and preserve DENY, column, and grant-option distinctions.
Configuring Parallel Index Operations in SQL Server
MAXDOP limits supported parallel index operations without changing unrelated instance settings. I choose the ceiling from the maintenance workload.
Query Store Wait Stats: Why a Query Was Slow, Not Just That It Was
Read Query Store wait stats by query, plan, interval, and category, then compare matched windows with execution counts and capture coverage.
Large Memory Servers: How SQL Server Scans the Buffer Pool
SQL Server scans the buffer pool during startup, backup, restore and DBCC, and large memory servers feel it most. An extended event records the scans, shows which commands start one and how many tasks each uses. The last sections explain what SQL Server 2022 changed.
SQL Server 2022 – Thread Management for Performance Improvement
I had a great discussion about Thread Management for Performance Improvement with my client, who recently hired me for Comprehensive Database Performance Health Check.
Common Mistakes to Avoid for DBAs Working with MySQL Databases
“What are some common mistakes you see DBAs make when working with MySQL databases, and how can they be avoided?”