Keeping database statistics updated is crucial for the smooth functioning of your queries. The database engine is pretty smart; it automatically refreshes these statistics to stay in sync with changes in your data. This is key for the query optimizer, the brain behind the scenes, to churn out the most efficient plans for your queries. While up-to-date statistics often improve query plan quality, the extra time added to some query executions due to statistics update may be undesirable, particularly in transactional workloads with short queries, where updating statistics may take longer than query execution itself. For this reason, the SQL Server database engine also supports an option to update statistics asynchronously.
Category: SQL Server 2022
Dynamic Data Masking (DDM) in SQL Server
Dynamic Data Masking (DDM) is an important security feature designed to protect sensitive information in database environments like SQL Server and Azure SQL Database. It works by masking sensitive data from non-privileged users, thus enhancing data security and compliance without altering the actual data. DDM operates by hiding sensitive data in query results, allowing only privileged users to view the unmasked data. It’s especially valuable in environments requiring data protection without compromising user experience.
A Faster Future: SQL Server 2022’s Parallel Buffer Scan
The new parallel buffer scan feature in SQL Server 2022 improves the performance of Buffer Pool scan operations on large-memory machines by utilizing multiple CPU cores. Customers running SQL Server on large-memory machines (e.g. TBs of memory) can see up to 4 ~ 20 times faster executions on some scenarios which has been slow due to Buffer Pool scan. Those scenarios include creating a new database, backup/restore operations, AlwaysOn failover, file drop, and DBCC check operations. Internal operations (e.g. checkpoint) that requires Buffer Pool scan will also get the benefits. The parallel scan feature also improves the Buffer Pool scan performance of small databases residing on large-memory machines.
Optimizing SQL Server 2022: Leveraging Auto-Drop Statistics
Auto-Create statistics is a well-known feature critical for the database performance. When one statistic is auto created, changing the table structure is not blocked by the presence of the statistic. An auto-created statistics is also dropped automatically when a schema change happens. On the other hand, if the statistic is created by the user, any schema change will be blocked by the presence of the statistic. The Auto-Drop setting on a statistic is a new SQL Server 2022 feature to change this behavior.
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.
SQL Server 2022: Improving Database Performance with Enhanced Parallel Redo
In the world of database management, SQL Server has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance and efficiency. The release of SQL Server 2022 marks another milestone, particularly in the realm of parallel redo operations. Let’s delve into how SQL Server 2022 transforms the landscape of thread management and batch redo, overcoming the limitations of its predecessors.
SQL Server on Linux: Getting Started with SQL Server 2022 on Ubuntu 22.04
Microsoft’s extension of SQL Server to the Linux platform marked a significant shift in its strategy, recognizing Linux as a major player in enterprise environments. This move expanded the reach of SQL Server to a larger audience and provided more deployment options for organizations. Today we will explore installing and configuring SQL Server on an Ubuntu 22.04 Linux host.