Test OPTION (FORCE ORDER) against real join plans, see when fixed table order helps or hurts, and apply a reversible Query Store hint.
UPDLOCK and READPAST for Queue Tables
UPDLOCK and READPAST let SQL Server queue workers claim different rows safely when transactions, retries, and completion rules are designed.
Query Store Hints: Fixing a Query Without Touching Its Code
Apply query store hints to a vendor query without code changes, verify failures and plan behavior, then clear the hint after the real fix.
SQL SERVER – Difference Between NOLOCK and NOWAIT Hints
Should you use NOLOCK when NOWAIT errors out on a lock? Here is the difference between NOLOCK and NOWAIT, and why neither guarantees a valid answer.
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.
Puzzle – Usage of New Index Hints – ForceSeek and ForceScan
SQL Server Denali adds the FORCESCAN hint next to FORCESEEK. A weekend puzzle on these Index Hints: write a query where each one improves performance.