The maximum columns in an index is 32 key columns, and a second limit on key size can stop an index earlier. This post builds a 40 column table, shows the error for a 33rd key column, and adds included columns to get around it. It also shows the 900 and 1,700 byte key limits and tests statistics on 33 and 40 columns.
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CHECKPOINT Covers One Database: Flush Data to Disk
CHECKPOINT covers one database, so to flush data to disk you run it in each database. A demo with two databases shows one flushed and one still dirty. A short script then flushes every database in one pass, and the post says when a flush is worth it.
Auditing Query Hints Left in Production Code
Start auditing query hints in modules and Query Store, rank the busiest statements, and test removal with measured plans and rollback.
Expensive Queries by query_hash: Total Cost, Not One Plan
Expensive queries by query_hash are ranked by total cost, not by single plans. A demo runs one lookup with 40 different literals and shows that the top single plan is a scan, while the grouped total, ranked by reads, points at the lookup. The query ranks by reads, CPU, time or runs.
Case-Sensitive Search – SQL in Sixty Seconds #158
Earlier I wrote a blog post about SQL SERVER – Case-Sensitive Search. Lots of people said I should make a video on this topic.
Case-Sensitive WHERE Clause: COLLATE Without Losing the Seek
A case-sensitive WHERE clause needs a COLLATE on the comparison, but the obvious version scans the index. A demo measures 286 reads against 2, and shows two fixes: keep the plain test beside it, or give the column a case-sensitive collation.
SQL SERVER – Data and Index Compression – Real-World Conversation
Index Compression needs workload measurements of storage, I/O and CPU. A customer conversation prompted my earlier advice.
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