OFFSET and FETCH make page-number queries readable, but deep pages scan past prior rows; keyset pagination keeps the next page focused.
SQL SERVER – Find Current Identity of Table
Many developers use MAX() to find the current identity of a table. I prefer DBCC CHECKIDENT, which reports the current identity value directly.
SQL SERVER – Order Of Column In Index
Adding more columns does not make an index better. The order of column in index matters most, since an index is used only when its first column is in the query.
What Is an Index in SQL Server?
An index in SQL Server took one query from 33,517 reads to 66 on the same table. What clustered and nonclustered really mean, why every index is paid for on the way in, and how to find the ones nobody uses.
SQL SERVER – Optimization Rules of Thumb – Best Practices
My optimization rules of thumb for a slow running query: read the query plan first, turn scans into seeks, fix bookmark lookups with a covering index and more.
Filtering on Dates Without Losing the Index
Filtering on dates without losing an index means using searchable ranges; learn half-open boundaries, date and datetime differences, and plan checks.
Reading the Warnings in an Execution Plan
Warnings in an execution plan can reveal conversions, missing statistics, and spills; read each warning in workload context.