Performance tuning is a long journey, and the Execution Plan is its map. A video on how to begin tuning queries with SQL Server execution plans.
SQL SERVER – A Quick Look at Logging and Ideas around Logging
What comes to mind when you hear logging? I asked five SQL Server friends and got five answers, from the OUTPUT clause on. Here are our ideas around logging.
Changing an Index In Place With CREATE INDEX and DROP_EXISTING
Use DROP_EXISTING to change an index definition in one operation, inspect its columns, and check online availability and dependencies.
SQL SERVER – Columnstore Index and sys.dm_db_index_usage_stats
My Columnstore index DMV script failed on SQL Server 2012 RTM because sys.column_store_index_stats was gone. What I found next, with sys.dm_db_index_usage_stats.
Columnstore Indexes for Reporting Tables
Columnstore indexes for reporting tables can cut scan work, but clustered and nonclustered designs affect loading and point lookups differently.
Finding the Worst Query in Five Minutes With Query Store
Find the worst query with Query Store totals, compare CPU and duration over the last day, inspect plans, and choose the first tuning target.
Tuning Step One: Capture a Wait Stats Baseline Before Changing Anything
Capture a wait stats baseline, compare two saved snapshots, reject reset intervals, and rank meaningful waits before changing settings.