In this blog post, we’ll focus on automating index maintenance using PowerShell. We’ll present a complete script to assess index fragmentation and perform necessary maintenance tasks, followed by a detailed explanation of each part of the script, showcasing how PowerShell can be a powerful tool in the arsenal of any SQL Server administrator.
Author: Stephen Planck
Exploring Programming Constructs in T-SQL – Part 1: Variables and Conditional IF Statements
Welcome to the first installment in our blog series on understanding and using programming constructs in T-SQL (Transact-SQL). This series aims to unravel the intricacies of T-SQL, Microsoft SQL Server’s powerful extension to SQL (Structured Query Language). Our journey will cover the most common and impactful programming constructs, equipping you with the knowledge to write more efficient, dynamic, and robust SQL scripts.
Mastering SQL Server Extended Events for Proactive Database Troubleshooting
SQL Server Extended Events (XE) are an essential tool for modern database professionals, offering a lightweight, efficient solution for monitoring and diagnosing SQL Server. Outperforming older methods like SQL Trace, Extended Events provide a detailed view of database operations with minimal impact on performance. They are integral for identifying, analyzing, and resolving complex database performance issues and are built directly into the SQL Server engine for maximum scalability and precision.
Optimizing SQL Server Performance on Linux: Beyond the Basics
Following our initial exploration of installing SQL Server on Ubuntu 22.04, we delve into the intricacies of advanced configuration on Linux. This post aims to provide DBAs and system administrators with a better understanding of the configurations specific to Linux environments that enhance SQL Server performance. Configuring SQL Server on Linux requires consideration of both SQL Server-specific settings and Linux system configurations. Here we’ll discuss the adjustments and settings unique to the Linux environment.
In-Memory OLTP in SQL Server: Leveraging In-Memory Tables for Performance
In the relentless pursuit of performance, database administrators and developers continually seek strategies to make applications faster and more efficient. SQL Server’s In-Memory Online Transaction Processing (In-Memory OLTP) feature is a significant stride in this quest. This blog post will dive into the world of In-Memory OLTP, exploring what it is, its benefits, how to get started, best practices, and conclude with some final thoughts.
Balancing Workloads in SQL Server with Resource Governor
Today’s database landscape requires strategies for ensuring optimal performance and resource allocation for your workloads. SQL Server’s Resource Governor is a feature that often flies under the radar but can be essential for fine-tuning the performance of your SQL Server environment. This blog post aims to demystify the Resource Governor, explaining its functionality, utility, and walking you through a practical example of setting it up for different user groups.
PowerShell for SQL Server: A Practical Introduction to Automation
Welcome to the wonderful world of automation with PowerShell for SQL Server! Whether you’re a database administrator or a developer, automating routine tasks can significantly enhance efficiency and accuracy. This guide is designed for beginners who are familiar with SQL Server but new to PowerShell. We’ll cover the basics and provide practical examples to help you get started with automating SQL Server tasks.
Contained Databases in SQL Server: Improving Database Portability and Security
Contained databases in SQL Server signify a paradigm shift in the world of database management, marking a move towards more self-contained and autonomous database systems. This approach redefines the traditional relationship between databases and the SQL Server instances they reside in, bringing a multitude of benefits in terms of management, portability, and isolation.
Smarter, Faster, Better: Intelligent Query Processing in SQL Server 2022
In the evolving landscape of database management, the need for faster, more efficient query processing is paramount. SQL Server 2022 takes a significant leap forward with its Intelligent Query Processing (IQP) feature, a testament to the ongoing quest for performance optimization. This blog post explores the essence of Intelligent Query Processing in SQL Server 2022, why it’s a game-changer, the improvements it brings, and how to maximize its potential.
DBA to the Rescue: Mitigating the Impact of SQL Server Corruption
Let’s talk about the boogeyman of our database world – corruption. Not the kind that lands you in headlines, but the sort that can turn a perfectly tuned database into a digital wasteland overnight. It lurks in the shadow of failing hardware, creeps behind the veil of sudden power losses, and sometimes piggybacks on the most innocent-looking software bugs.