Mehedi's Earth

When SQL Server slows down, it is not always easy to figure out why. That is where Wait Statistics come into play — they act like a performance stethoscope, helping DBAs listen to what SQL Server is waiting on. Every query, every process, leaves behind clues in the form of waits. By understanding these waits, you can diagnose bottlenecks, uncover hidden issues, and fine-tune your server for peak performance.

In this series, I will tell you some relevant concepts, show you how to read them, and help you decide what actions to take — so you are not just guessing anymore. [More]

When you rebuild an index in SQL Server, it might seem like a simple one-click operation—but behind the scenes, a lot is happening to ensure data integrity and performance. From acquiring locks to versioning scans and index swapping, SQL Server carefully orchestrates the entire process without disrupting your workload. Here goes the basic operations that SQL Server performs to rebuilds an index. [More]

When it comes to query performance tuning in SQL Server, key lookups are often the silent culprits that slow things down. This seemingly small operation can become expensive when repeated over thousands—or millions—of rows. In this article, we will break down what a key lookup is, why it happens, and how you can eliminate it with smarter indexing strategies. By addressing key lookups, you can significantly reduce I/O and boost query speed. So grab your execution plan and let’s uncover the hidden costs! [More]

In today's data-driven world, performance is everything—especially when working with large volumes of data. Traditional row-based indexes can struggle to keep up with modern analytics workloads. That’s where Columnstore Indexes come in. Designed for high-performance querying on massive datasets, Columnstore Indexes reshape the way SQL Server handles storage and retrieval, particularly for OLAP-style reporting and data warehousing.

In my last Columnstore Index article, I discussed about some concepts of Columnstore Index. In this write-up, we will go deeper. [More]

Recently, I was surfing web for some SQL Server resources and explored some gems for identified missing indexes, unused indexes and heaps. Though, sp_BlitzIndex provides comprehensive information about index optimization. However, these popular scripts can be alternatives where you cannot deploy First Responder Kits. Moreover, you can easily customize them to fit your requirements. Let's dive in! [More]

Database maintenance is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of SQL Server management. Without regular backups, index optimizations, and integrity checks, performance degrades, and the risk of data loss increases. Thankfully, Ola Hallengren’s SQL Server Maintenance Solution provides a powerful, free, and widely trusted framework to automate these essential tasks.

This step-by-step guide will walk you through setting up and configuring Ola Hallengren’s scripts for backups, index optimization, and integrity checks. Whether you’re a DBA or a developer managing SQL Server databases, this solution simplifies maintenance while ensuring reliability and performance. Let’s dive in! [More]

Indexing can make or break query performance. Choosing the right index can drastically speed up queries, while the wrong one can drag things down. However, not all indexes serve the same purpose—each type is optimized for specific workloads and scenarios. In this article, you are going to learn when to use heaps, clustered and non-clustered indexes, covering and filtered indexes, or columnstore indexes to optimize performance. Let’s explore how to make indexing work in your favor! [More]

Indexes play a crucial role in optimizing database performance by allowing faster data retrieval. SQL Server provides various types of indexes, each designed to improve query performance based on different scenarios. In this article, we will explore the key index types, their characteristics, and how they help enhance query execution. [More]

Indexes are the backbone of SQL Server performance, but poorly designed or maintained indexes can lead to slow queries and high I/O. Enter sp_BlitzIndex, a powerful tool from the SQL Server First Responder Kit designed to analyze and optimize indexes. Whether you are dealing with unused indexes, or missing indexes, sp_BlitzIndex provides the insights you need to keep your database running smoothly. In this article, we will explore how to use sp_BlitzIndex to master index optimization and improve query performance. [More]

Query performance tuning is a critical aspect of SQL Server administration, and identifying resource-intensive queries is the first step toward optimization. Enter sp_BlitzCache, a powerful tool from the SQL Server First Responder Kit designed to analyze query execution plans and pinpoint high-cost queries. Whether you’re dealing with slow queries, high CPU usage, or memory pressure, sp_BlitzCache provides the insights you need to take corrective action. In this article, we’ll explore how to use sp_BlitzCache to optimize query performance and keep your SQL Server running smoothly. [More]