How Filters and Sorting can Derail SQL Pagination Performance

In my previous tip, Pagination Performance in SQL Server, I showed how to make SQL pagination more predictable – turning O(n) into O(1). I materialized and cached row numbers to page through instead of calculating them on every request. It wasn’t the whole story, though; real pagination queries rarely get to sort without filtering. Users always want more control, and filtering can threaten that predictability.

The Query Optimizer and Page Density

Optimize SQL Server Query without Changing the Query

Sometimes we cannot improve query performance because we don’t have control over the code. Consider a query that is generated by Entity Framework (EF) from the application and you do not have access to the source code. The main question is how you can improve SQL Server query optimization for a poorly performing query?

Get ChatGPT’s Advice On Your Queries with sp_BlitzCache.

First off, I understand if you read the headline and you have a knee-jerk reaction. I totally understand that there are a lot of people out there who hate AI, and believe me, I hate most uses of it. Lots of its advice can be misleading at best, and absolute garbage at worst.

How to Monitor and Optimize Batched Deletion Processes in SQL Server

Batched deletions are a common strategy in SQL Server to manage large datasets without overloading the system, but poorly tuned deletes can cause blocking, long-running transactions, and heavy log usage. Learn how to monitor and optimize these processes for smooth, efficient database performance.

Filtered Indexes: The Developer’s Secret Weapon in SQL Server

Learn about filtered indexes in SQL Server, how they work, and how they can help improve performance.

Why Indexes are Important Beyond Faster Execution of Queries

Learn how indexes can help you with more than just querying data.

Estimated Rows

SQL Server 2025 Makes Memory Troubleshooting Easier.

SQL Server 2025 introduces a new sys.dm_os_memory_health_history view to make it easier for meatbags like you and robots like Copilot to know if the SQL Server has been under memory pressure recently.

Unlocking High-Concurrency Inserts in SQL Server with OPTIMIZE_FOR_SEQUENTIAL_KEY

Learn how a setting an improve high concurrency inserts with the OPTIMIZE_FOR_SEQUENTIAL_KEY option.