Find which database uses the most CPU from cached query stats and plan attributes, then use Query Store for restart-safe history.
SQL SERVER – Avoid Using Function in WHERE Clause – Scan to Seek
Does a function in WHERE clause really hurt performance? Using AdventureWorks and STATISTICS IO, I show what happens and how to turn a scan into a seek.
Optimized Locking in SQL Server 2025: What Changes for Blocking
Enable optimized locking in SQL Server 2025 with ADR and RCSI, then compare lock counts and blocking while checking LAQ limits.
SQL SERVER – Basic Explanation of SET LOCK_TIMEOUT – How to Not Wait on Locked Query
SET LOCK_TIMEOUT works at the connection level, like the NOWAIT hint does for a query. I show how setting it to 0 stops a query from waiting on a lock.
SQL SERVER – Basic Explanation of Query Hint NOWAIT – How to Not Wait on Locked Query
Everybody knows NOLOCK, but not everyone knows NOWAIT. A question at a Bangalore User Group session led me to explain how NOWAIT skips waiting on a lock.
SQL SERVER – Introduction of Showplan Warning
SQL Server can be your performance tuning teacher. Vinod Kumar explains the Showplan Warning in execution plans and what each warning is telling you.
Making SSIS Packages Faster
Make SSIS packages faster by measuring each flow, using fast load, sizing buffers from row width, and replacing row-by-row work.