As a SQL Server DBA, having the right set of queries can significantly streamline your workflow, enhance monitoring, and aid in troubleshooting. This post shares five essential queries that address common administrative tasks, each accompanied by a detailed explanation to help you understand their purpose, interpret the results, and take appropriate action.
Author: Stephen Planck
Reading SQL Server’s XML Deadlock Report Captured by the system_health Event
SQL Server includes an Extended Events session called system_health, which runs by default and, among other things, captures information about deadlocks as they occur. When two or more sessions block each other in such a way that no progress can be made (a deadlock), SQL Server chooses one session as the “victim,” rolls back its transaction, and frees resources so other sessions can continue. By reviewing the deadlock report in the system_health session’s XML output, you can see precisely why the deadlock happened and identify which queries or procedures were involved.
Optimizing Table Width and Data Types in SQL Server
Organizing data effectively in SQL Server can be a juggling act. You may be tempted to make tables as all-encompassing as possible by giving columns very large data types or piling on extra fields for convenience. While this seems harmless in the short term, it can lead to heavier storage requirements, slower queries, and frequent obstacles when updating the schema. Narrower tables, carefully chosen data types, and a normalized design often work together to keep a database agile and efficient.
Handling Compatibility Level Changes During SQL Server Upgrades
Compatibility levels determine how certain features of SQL Server behave, allowing databases to maintain functionality even as the server itself evolves. However, changing compatibility levels requires careful consideration to balance the benefits of new features against the potential risks of disrupting existing applications. This blog explores the importance of handling compatibility level changes thoughtfully during SQL Server upgrades, highlighting the risks of making changes too hastily and the advantages of adopting new compatibility levels within a reasonable timeframe.
Using sp_getapplock to Prevent Concurrent Execution of Stored Procedures in SQL Server
In multi-user database environments, ensuring the integrity and consistency of data is essential. One common challenge is preventing multiple instances of the same stored procedure from executing at the same time, which can lead to data conflicts, race conditions, and unpredictable results. To address this, SQL Server provides a powerful tool called sp_getapplock. This post explains what sp_getapplock is, what you are actually locking when you use it, how to implement it to prevent concurrent executions of a stored procedure, and the difference between transaction-level and session-level locks.
Exploring Programming Constructs in T-SQL – Part 3: Error Handling and Transaction Management
Welcome back to our series on programming constructs in T-SQL! In the previous installments, we explored variables, conditional IF statements, loops, and CASE expressions. These tools have helped us write dynamic and efficient SQL scripts. In this third part, we’ll focus on two essential concepts for writing reliable SQL code: Error Handling with TRY…CATCH Blocks and Transaction Management.
Building a Career in SQL Server: Tips, Strategies, and Pathways for Aspiring DBAs
Starting a career as a SQL Server Database Administrator (DBA) offers numerous opportunities in today’s data-driven landscape. As organizations increasingly rely on databases to manage and analyze their data, skilled DBAs are in high demand. Whether you’re just beginning or looking to advance in this field, here are some key strategies to help you build a successful career in SQL Server.
Determining When to Optimize SQL Server Workloads Versus Upgrading Hardware
When your SQL Server isn’t performing as expected, it’s tempting to think that upgrading hardware is the quick fix. More CPUs, extra memory, faster disks—they all sound like solutions that should solve the problem. But before you start investing in new equipment, it’s worth taking a step back to see if optimization can address the issues.
Monitoring SQL Server on Linux with Native Linux Tools
As organizations deploy SQL Server on Linux, leveraging native Linux tools for monitoring becomes essential to ensure optimal performance and reliability. Tools like htop, vmstat, and iostat provide valuable insights into system resources and help identify potential bottlenecks. This blog explores how to use these native Linux tools to monitor SQL Server effectively.
Archiving Old Transactions in SQL Server Using PowerShell
Archiving old or obsolete data is an effective strategy to maintain optimal performance. In this post, we’ll explore how to archive old transactions from a SQL Server database using PowerShell. We’ll walk through creating the necessary database and tables, populating them with sample data, executing a PowerShell script to automate the archiving process, and verifying the results.