This Indexed View Restrictions Quiz asks which rule stops a unique clustered index on a view. The answer is the LEFT OUTER JOIN. A tested script shows the error, the working view, and what happens when each required rule is missing.
Locking and Blocking Quiz: Will Updating a Different Row Wait?
This Locking and Blocking Quiz asks whether an update waits when it changes a different row than an open transaction. The answer depends on the index. A two-window test on SQL Server 2025 shows the wait, the lock that causes it, and two ways to remove it.
What Is In the Plan Cache and How to Look
Inspect the SQL Server plan cache, identify single-use plans and memory use, and understand what optimize for ad hoc workloads changes.
SQL SERVER – Updating Data in A Columnstore Index
A reader got an error when updating data in a columnstore index table. Here is why the table becomes read-only and what you can do about it.
SQL SERVER – How to Ignore Columnstore Index Usage in Query
A reader’s query ran slower after adding a nonclustered columnstore index. Here is how to ignore columnstore index usage for just that one query.
SQL SERVER – Fundamentals of Columnstore Index
Row store vs column store, explained simply. A Columnstore Index can make searches much faster, but it is not for every table. Learn where each one fits.
How to Read a SQL Server Execution Plan
An execution plan is SQL Server showing its working. Read it inside out, learn the six operators you actually meet, ignore the cost percentages, and compare estimated rows with actual rows instead.