Automatic seeding in Always On lets the primary send a database to a secondary without a manual backup and restore. Three read-only queries show which replicas use it, what happened before and how far a seeding run has come. It also covers why it fails and when to switch it off.
Last Known Actual Plan in SQL Server: Query Plan Stats
The last known actual plan is the plan of the most recent run of a cached query, with its real row counts. This post turns the feature on for one database, reads the plan with sys.dm_exec_query_plan_stats and compares estimated rows with actual rows.
Compiled Parameter Values in SQL Server: Read Them From the Cache
Compiled parameter values show which value SQL Server used when it built a cached plan. This post reads them from the plan cache with one query, then shows how the first caller shapes the plan for everyone after. It ends with the usual ways to break that link.
SQL SERVER – Reviewing Sleeping Sessions Before Terminating Any Session
An inactive or sleeping session may still be a useful pooled connection. A customer case prompted my earlier session-cleanup script.
Dirty Pages – How to List Dirty Pages From Memory in SQL Server? – Interview Question of the Week #223
Question: How to List Dirty Pages From Memory in SQL Server? Answer: I received question today during my SQL Server Performance Tuning Practical Workshop.
MAXDOP Guidelines: Audit CPU and Memory Settings in SQL Server
MAXDOP guidelines start from the number of CPUs and NUMA nodes on the server. This post builds three read-only queries that show those facts, the current MAXDOP and cost threshold, and the memory settings. It also shows how to read the answer without changing anything.
Consulting 102 – What Do I Promise in Every Engagement?
Know what I promise in every engagement, define a useful baseline, and compare performance changes without trusting a speed claim.