A quick script using sys.dm_db_partition_stats that lists the row count of every table and shows the largest table in database right at the top.
Leading Wildcard LIKE Searches: Why They Scan and What Helps
Diagnose a leading wildcard LIKE scan and compare prefix search, reversed suffix keys, full-text search, and n-gram indexing.
SQL SERVER – Interesting Observation – Use of Index and Execution Plan
Three AdventureWorks examples show how the Query Optimizer picks an index, what happens when you force one, and how that changes the index and execution plan.
Closure Table: Read and Validate Hierarchy Paths
A closure table stores ancestor and descendant paths. Read those relationships efficiently and compare them with the authoritative parent edges.
SQL SERVER – 2008 – Find If Index is Being Used in Database
How do you find if an index is being used in your database? My quick script checks sys.dm_db_index_usage_stats, so you can drop unused indexes safely.
Exploring the System Catalog With Queries
Exploring the system catalog with queries reveals SQL Server objects, columns, indexes, and dependencies without relying on stale diagrams.
SQL SERVER – Guidelines and Coding Standards Complete List Download
My coding standards complete list for SQL Server, cut to what people follow: naming, formatting, and the rules that prevent real bugs.