Finding every SQL Server component starts with the Setup discovery report, then checks services, engine versions, and separate client tools.
Following a Blocking Chain to the Head Blocker
Follow SQL Server blocking_session_id through a blocking chain, identify the head blocker, and choose a safe ending for the wait.
Pre-Aggregating Data for Fast Dashboards
Pre-aggregating data can make dashboards fast through summary tables or indexed views when grain, refresh, and reader consistency are clear.
SQL SERVER – Comma Separated Values (CSV) from Table Column
The script I use most often to build Comma Separated Values (CSV) from a table column with FOR XML PATH. I think XML is the best option for code and speed.
SQL SERVER – Interesting Observation – TOP 100 PERCENT and ORDER BY
ORDER BY in a view raises Msg 1033 unless TOP is used, so many developers add TOP 100 PERCENT. An interesting observation on what that really does.
SQL SERVER – A Common Design Problem – Should the Primary Key Always be a Clustered Index
Should the Primary Key always be a clustered index? A design discussion about SSN numbers stored as strings and when a separate clustered index makes sense.
SQL SERVER – Remove Bookmark Key Lookup – 4 Different Ideas
A bookmark key lookup slows down any query. Here are my four posts on removing it, gathered in one place so you can read them in order.