“Copy-On-Write” (COW) is a resource management technique used in computer programming and operating systems. Its application in SQL Server, particularly in relation to snapshot technologies, is a fundamental concept behind the functioning of database snapshots and certain types of backups. Let’s delve into the detailed workings of Copy-On-Write in the context of SQL Server:
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.
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.
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.
Speed, Efficiency, and VLDB Backups: Making the Right Moves
Today we will discuss VLDB backups. Handling VLDBs can be challenging for many administrators. Sometimes just completing a full backup in a reasonable amount of time is challenging, not to mention restoring a database to meet your organization’s service level agreements (SLA). There are many options to consider. Some options exist outside of the BACKUP DATABASE statement. They key to improving database backups is to adjust various configurations to increase throughput, increase concurrency, and reduce the amount of data to backup.
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.
Implementing Row-Level Security in SQL Server
Row-level security (RLS) in SQL Server is a feature that allows database administrators to control access to rows in a database table based on the characteristics of the users accessing them. This can be particularly important in environments where data privacy and security are critical. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to implement RLS in SQL Server.
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.
SQL Server AGs: Tackling Missing and Stale Statistics for Readonly Secondaries
In SQL Server’s Always On Availability Groups, understanding the behavior of statistics on secondary replicas is key to maintaining query performance. This post explores the challenges and solutions for managing statistics in read-only secondary databases and snapshots. We delve into two critical scenarios: the creation of statistics in secondary replicas when they are missing on the primary, and the handling of stale statistics due to differences in primary and secondary workloads.
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.