Find indexes with a custom fill factor, compare their page counts, and review one rebuild without changing the server-wide setting.
Slow Database Creation in SQL Server: Causes and Fixes
Slow database creation in SQL Server comes down to its files: how big they are, and whether SQL Server must zero every byte. This post checks the three usual suspects, the size of the model database, instant file initialization and the log file, and times each one with a script. It also shows the wait type to look for while a large CREATE DATABASE runs.
Row and Page Compression: Estimating Savings Before You Compress
Estimate row and page compression savings per index and partition, then compare storage, CPU, reads, and maintenance before deployment.
Out-of-Row Storage for varchar(max): Keeping Data Pages Small
Turn on the out-of-row option and nothing happens until you rewrite the data. I measure pages and reads at each step so you can see the real trade.
FOR JSON Data Types: How bit, Dates and Money Come Out
Your API returns 1 and the client wanted true. Here is how FOR JSON picks a JSON type for bit, dates, decimal, money, binary and NULL, and how to fix it.
Logical Architecture: Oracle and SQL Server Compared
Continuing my Oracle vs SQL Server series, I compare the logical architecture of both, using simple analogies to map what you know to what you don’t.
Autogrowth Settings: Why 1 MB and 10 Percent Still Hurt
Inspect autogrowth settings across database files, review retained growth events and VLFs, and choose tested fixed-size increments.