This article identifies which indexes are used when T-SQL code runs, and proposes ways of improving these targeted indexes, leading to better performing code.  Read more...

There can be a great difference in the performance of a particular routine in a test database, and in a fully loaded production system. When you hit performance problems in a database under load, and there is excessive locking and blocking, how can you determine exactly where the problems lie, in order to fix them?  Read more...

Many of the SQL Server DMVs still have a wild, unfinished feel but they are an incredibly useful tool for DBA, well-worth the sweat and toil required to learn and query them effectively.   Read more...

To ensure that queries run as efficiently as possible, the database administrator needs to monitor performance to find inefficient queries. This article focuses on exploring how a DBA can monitor the I/Os against an instance of SQL Server, using Dynamic Management Objects, or more commonly know as Dynamic Management Views (DMVs) and Functions (DMFs).   Read more...

Performance monitoring and optimization is an inseparable part of a DBA's activities. To optimize a poorly performing system/query or to troubleshoot the performance issues you need to know the root cause. Prior to SQL Server 2005, we had several system tables to monitor the state of the system.  Read more...

This article describes a utility that allows you to inspect cached plans and extract information that can be useful in improving the performance of your SQL.  Read more...

Read the first chapter of this new book on DMVs.  Read more...

Over and over again we are told that the DMV’s only hold data since your last reboot. So, how do...  Read more...

Get a free green paper, an early access look at a new DMV book from longtime author Ian Stirk.  Read more...

This article describes a utility that allows you to identify what SQL statements are currently executing.  Read more...

If you do not have a third party monitoring tool in place, the only way is to constantly monitor SQL Server. To do this without being overly intrusive, we need to rely on the SQL Server DMVs.   Read more...

This article identifies which indexes are used when T-SQL code runs, and proposes ways of improving these targeted indexes, leading to better performing code.  Read more...

This white paper provides step-by-step guidelines for diagnosing and troubleshooting common performance problems by using publicly available tools.  Read more...

We look at performing the same task for the sys.dm_db_index_operational_stats Dynamic Management Function (or DMF.) The process is identical, the code is however quite different due to the structural differences between sys.dm_db_index_usage_stats and sys.dm_db_index_operational_stats.  Read more...

This article describes a utility that allows you to inspect cached plans and extract information that can be useful in improving the performance of your SQL.  Read more...

Greg Larsen introduces some Dynamic Management Views (DMVs) and Dynamic Management Functions (DMFs) to help monitor your application's T-SQL performance. In addition, he provides a Stored Procedure that utilizes the DMVs and DMFs to produce a report that quickly identifies poorly performing T-SQL statements.  Read more...

Dynamic management views measure the effectiveness of indexes and discover fragmented indexes that may slow down SQL Server.   Read more...

Dynamic management views help monitor SQL Server health and tune performance. Learn how to use DMVs to retrieve critical data on the internal workings of SQL Server.  Read more...

This article describes a utility that allows you to identify what SQL statements are currently executing.  Read more...

The attached article describes a utility that allows you to quickly identify which queries are running slower than expected. Note this article was updated to correct the formatting issues.  Read more...