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.
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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Are you juggling with large dataset and query performance management? Partitioning technique can unlock a new dimension for you. Let's explore the concepts deeply.
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Recently, some indexes of my production server were fragmented frequently. In this article, I am going to tell you how did I sort out the issue.
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My learning from recent incident is "Before scripting database objects, always check the Script indexes options".
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