If there are potential index(es) on col_a and/or col_b, then I'd stick with the first style.  If not, the second is ok too.

OK. By default you'll always read the last committed value, using standard READ COMMITTED (hence the name, I guess :-)).

...or you will be blocked if RCSI is not enabled.

Your...

Yes, if userB uses WITH (NOLOCK) on the table(s), or READ UNCOMMITTED isolation level

But Scott, "IT Researcher" asked "is it possible for userB to read last committed values" and...

I'd just say "by accident".  If they want more details, they'll ask.

OMG !!

Wow .....the cross apply worked like a Charm.  and it was quick , even though now checking the table index is Clustered on identity, I...

Tell them.

Don't beat around the bush. Don't try to cover up. Just say it. "I messed up. I took the server down. Here's what I did by accident. I'm...

Yes, if userB uses...

Apologies, Scott.  You're correct.  You were talking only about the non-clustered indexes... but so what?  Same differences.  You're using twice as much disk space for those and for why? ...

I'd say it's still better to use 50% just to be safe.  For a non-clus index that is used only to get the clus key to do a...

For a stand-alone, nonclustered index with just that column in it, REBUILD that index setting the FREESPACE to 50[%].  That will delay any fragmentation for some amount of...

OMG !!

Wow .....the cross apply worked like a Charm.  and it was quick , even though now checking the table index is Clustered on identity, I...

From what I could find and read SQL Server uses memory to cache pages and to cache execution plans.

1.       I know how I set the total memory used by...

OMG !!

Wow .....the cross apply worked like a Charm.  and it was quick , even though now checking the table index is Clustered on identity, I will go...

Try the code below.  If there are a lot more spec_size values than the ones listed here, uncomment the IN list to pull only the ones you need.  If those...

For a stand-alone, nonclustered index with just that column in it, REBUILD that index setting the FREESPACE to 50[%].  That will delay any fragmentation for some amount of time, at...