Indexes are the database objects that enable SQL Server to satisfy each data access request from a client application with the minimum amount of effort, resulting in the maximum performance of individual requests while also reducing the impact of one request upon another. Prerequisites: Familiarity with the following relational database concepts: Table, row, primary key, foreign key  Read more...

Seldom has a SQL Server Service pack had such an effect on database development as when SQL Server 2012 SP1 introduced selective XML indexes. These transform the practicality of querying large amounts of XML data. Seth Delconte demonstrates how and why this feature makes all the difference.   Read more...

In earlier installments of this series we looked at T-SQL Performance optimizations along with different T-SQL practices, we can now turn our attention to the second part of this series which is index Tuning  Read more...

Now that we've seen the basics of indexing, and taken a deeper dive into Nonclustered Indexes, this Level will focus on searching the table, which will, in turn, will lead us to a discussion of clustered indexes.  Read more...

Today Steve Jones reminds us that we should analyze and re-evalute our indexing strategy on a regular basis.  Read more...

Table partitioning is a blessing in that it makes large tables that have varying access patterns more scalable and manageable, but it is a mixed blessing. It is important to understand the down-side before using table partitioning.  Read more...

SQL Server Indexes need to be effective. It is wrong to have too few or too many. The ones you create must ensure that the workload reads the data quickly with a minimum of I/O. As well as a sound knowledge of the way that relational databases work, it helps to be familiar with the Dynamic Management Objects that are there to assist with your indexing strategy.  Read more...

Column Store Index, a new feature in SQL Server 2012, improves performance of data warehouse queries several folds. Arshad Ali shows you how to create column store index, and how to use index query hint to include or exclude a column store index.  Read more...

Index fragmentation can certainly cause performance problems, but should it really dictate the way we design our clustered indexes?  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...

Part 3 of a great series on the basics of indexes. Learn the structure, definition, and how to examine the use of these indexes in your queries.  Read more...

In the second part of her series on indexing, MVP Gail Shaw examines clustered indexes. Learn what this index is, how it differs from a heap, and how it can help your queries.  Read more...

This article has a description of an index utilization tool that Ron Johnson uses to analyze the effectiveness and use of indexes in a system.  Read more...

Indexes are critical to good performance. However many people don't understand how indexes well. MVP Gail Shaw provides us with an introductory article on the basics of indexing.  Read more...

Dos and don’ts that lead to a healthy, well-performing database.  Read more...

A look at the information that helps SQL Server make better decisions.  Read more...

What happens to your indexes during normal database activity?  Read more...

Options and impacts when creating, altering and dropping an index  Read more...

Don't blame SQL Server if your SQL Statements perform badly! But where do you start to investigate the problem? This article is a primer on were to start looking when your SQL runs slowly.  Read more...

As each year goes by the uptime requirement for our databases gets larger and larger, meaning the downtime that we have to do maintenance on our databases is getting smaller and smaller. This tip will look at a feature that was introduced in SQL Server 2005 that allows us to leave our indexes online and accessible while they are being rebuilt.  Read more...