SQL SERVER – Live Query Statistics in 2016 … and More! – Notes from the Field #111

[Note from Pinal]: In this episode of the Notes from the Field series database expert Mike Lawell explains about Live Query Statistics in SQL Server 2016. Statistics are heart of SQL Server. They play a very powerful role when SQL Server Engine needs help to build a new execution plan for a query. In earlier version of SQL Server we had the only privilege to see statistics after the query is executed. However, with the advancement of SQL Server 2016, the scenario has been changed. Here is a very interesting new feature of SQL Server 2016 which can help every performance tuning expert. Read the experience of Mike in his own words.

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SQL SERVER – FIX: Msg 7395, Level 16, State 2 – Unable to start a nested transaction for OLE DB provider

While playing with linked server from SQL Server to SQL Server, I faced few errors and fixed them as well. It has become a custom to get errors working with Linked Servers almost every time. I personally thought it is worth blogging because I didn’t find any single blog having the cause and solution explained in detail. Let us learn about the OLE DB provider error.

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SQL SERVER – FIX Error 3169 – The database was backed up on a server running version

At this rate, I think I am going to exhaust the whole error set available in SQL Server. I am glad that I am able to get into unique situations and then resolve them too. And this is more of a diary of the error messages I am getting into. I was playing with my Demo database on SQL Server 2016. Once done, I started restoring from the previous copy. But is failing with below error 3169:

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SQL Server 2016 – Enhancements with TempDB

SQL Server 2016 is loaded with tons of new enhancements that I can’t get enough of it. I have been playing around with the bits since multiple CTP’s and it is getting difficult to catch up on all the releases coming so fast and the number of enhancements from performance and scalability point of view have been too many to track. Let us see in this blog post Enhancements with TempDB in SQL Server 2016.

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Interview Question of the Week #051 – Actual Execution Plan vs. Estimated Execution Plan

In one of the recent interview, I met quite a few interesting candidates. It is common for employees ask many questions during an interview, but there are times when candidates also ask questions back to the interviewee. I was asked following question recently.

Question: Do you use Actual Execution plan or Estimated Execution plan?

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SQL SERVER – Script: Remove Spaces in Column Name in All Tables

Long time ago I have written blog to rename column name.
SQL SERVER – How to Rename a Column Name or Table Name
One of the reader asked me if I can provide a script to remove space from all column names for all tables in a database? My first reaction was – “Are you sure you want to do that? There are chances that after changing the name of the column, the application code might break. If the table has been referred in stored procedure or functions or other objects”

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