Index key columns and included columns show what each index really stores. This post builds one query that lists them for every index, then a second query that finds indexes with the same keys or a shared leading key. It ends with the rules for merging them safely.
What is Consolidation of Index? – Interview Question of the Week #212
What is consolidation of index? When a table has overlapping indexes, like one on Col1 and one on Col1, Col2, here is how I think about combining them.
SQL SERVER – Say No To Database Engine Tuning Advisor
I review Database Engine Tuning Advisor recommendations against the workload before applying them. That was the point behind my original opinion.
Columnstore Bulk Load: Why Batch Size Decides Where Rows Land
Review columnstore bulk load batch sizes, inspect delta and compressed rowgroups, and measure the cost of forcing small groups to compress.
Implicit Conversions That Quietly Turn Seeks Into Scans
Find implicit conversions in SQL Server plans, compare parameter and column types, and fix type contracts without losing Unicode data.
Index Size Estimate: Sizing an Index Before You Create It
Before you build an index, estimate its size and say what you assumed. Then check the guess against real pages on a copy.
When to Use sort_in_tempdb for Rebuilding Indexes? – Interview Question of the Week #207
When should you use sort_in_tempdb for rebuilding indexes? A DBA asked me in a Health Check, and the simple answer is when TempDB sits on fast, separate drives.