Build a SQL Server baseline with timestamped workload, wait, and IO samples so you can compare a slowdown with a similar period of normal work.
Why One Query Has Two Cached Plans: SET Options and plan_attributes
Investigate two cached plans with plan_attributes, decode differing SET options, and match application settings before diagnosing skew.
SQL SERVER – Refresh Database Using T-SQL
Can you refresh database in Object Explorer using a T-SQL query? No. But if cached objects changed, DBCC commands can clear the cache for you.
SQL SERVER – DECLARE Multiple Variables in One Statement
Yes, you can DECLARE multiple variables in one statement in SQL Server. Compare both methods side by side: one statement per variable, or all in one line.
SQL SERVER – INNER JOIN using LEFT JOIN statement – Performance Analysis
Can you write an INNER JOIN using LEFT JOIN? Yes, and the result is the same, but my performance analysis in AdventureWorks shows why you should not.
Seeing What Is Running Right Now
See what is running right now in SQL Server with request DMVs, statement text, plans, waits, and blocking details in one reusable query.
SQL SERVER – Introduction to CLR – Simple Example of CLR Stored Procedure
An introduction to CLR in SQL Server 2005 and later, with a simple CLR Stored Procedure built in Visual Studio that prints the current system datetime.