As a SQL Server enthusiast, I have come across numerous articles and blog posts that have helped me deepen my understanding of this powerful database management system. In this blog post, I would like to share some of my favorite SQL Server concepts and ideas that have stood the test of time.

1. SQL Commandments – Suggestions, Tips, Tricks

In 2007, an interesting article was published that outlined 25 commandments for SQL Server. These commandments provide valuable suggestions, tips, and tricks for working with the database technology. Even after all these years, these commandments remain relevant and can greatly enhance your SQL Server skills.

2. Stored Procedure – Clean Cache and Clean Buffer

Understanding the difference between the DBCC commands “FREEPROCCACHE” and “DROPCLEANBUFFERS” is crucial for maintaining the performance and integrity of your SQL Server. These commands should be used with caution, as improper usage can potentially damage your server. Learn how to effectively clean the cache and buffer to optimize your database performance.

3. Add Column With Default Column Constraint to Table

When adding columns to a table, it is important to specify default constraints according to coding standards. Neglecting to do so can result in SQL Server generating unique names for constraints, leading to confusion and potential issues. Discover how to easily add columns with default constraints to your tables.

4. Introduction to Live Lock – What is Live Lock?

Live lock is a phenomenon where a request for an exclusive lock is continuously denied due to overlapping shared locks. This interference between locks prevents the completion of tasks, resulting in a deadlock-like situation. Gain insights into live lock and how it can impact your SQL Server environment.

5. Find Highest / Most Used Stored Procedure

Performance tuning is a critical aspect of SQL Server administration. Identifying the most frequently used and least used stored procedures can help optimize your database and improve overall performance. Learn a query that allows you to find the highest and most used stored procedures in your SQL Server.

6. Find All Servers From Local Network – Using sqlcmd – Detect Installed SQL Server on Network

Keeping track of the SQL Server instances installed on your network can be challenging. However, there is a handy trick using “sqlcmd” that allows you to identify if the servers are online and operational. This knowledge helps you stay informed about the status of your SQL Server instances.

7. Optimize for Ad hoc Workloads – Advance Performance Optimization

SQL Server stores execution plans for every batch, stored procedure, or T-SQL statement that is executed. However, many of these plans are only used once and never reused, wasting memory and resources. Discover the “Optimize for Ad hoc Workloads” feature in SQL Server 2008 that helps optimize performance by addressing this issue.

8. Difference Between ROLLBACK IMMEDIATE and WITH NO_WAIT during ALTER DATABASE

Understanding the difference between “ROLLBACK IMMEDIATE” and “WITH NO_WAIT” options during the “ALTER DATABASE” command is crucial for managing database backups and restores. These options have distinct behaviors and knowing when to use each one is essential for maintaining data integrity.

9. Enumerations in Relational Database – Best Practice

Implementing enumerations in relational databases can be a challenging task. This blog post explores the best practices for handling enumerations, highlighting the right and wrong approaches. Gain insights into effectively managing enumerations in your SQL Server databases.

10. Declare and Assign Variable in Single Statement

SQL Server 2008 introduced the ability to declare and assign variables in a single statement. Despite this feature being available for several years, it is often overlooked. Embrace this new feature and incorporate it into your coding practices to enhance readability and efficiency.

11. Log File Growing for Model Database – model Database Log File Grew Too Big

The model database serves as a template for all databases created on an instance of SQL Server. Understanding how changes in the model database impact other databases is crucial for maintaining a healthy SQL Server environment. Learn about the implications of log file growth in the model database.

12. Zoom Query Editor

SQL Server 2012 introduced a useful feature that allows you to zoom in and out of the query editor. This feature is particularly handy during presentations, group discussions, or for individuals who prefer larger fonts. Discover how to leverage this feature to enhance your SQL Server experience.

13. Finding Shortest Distance between Two Shapes using Spatial Data Classes – Ramsetu or Adam’s Bridge

Working with spatial data in SQL Server opens up a world of possibilities. This blog post explores how to find the shortest distance between two shapes using spatial data classes. By leveraging the STBuffer function, you can visualize the connecting line clearly.

14. Table Variables and Transactions

Table variables are a powerful tool in SQL Server, but their behavior within transactions can sometimes be confusing. This video tutorial clarifies the behavior of table variables within transactions, helping you avoid common pitfalls and frustrations.

15. Using MAXDOP 1 for Single Processor Query

SQL Server has special cases where executing queries on a single processor can yield optimal performance. This video tutorial explains when and how to use the “MAXDOP 1” option to ensure your queries run efficiently on a single processor.

I hope you find these SQL Server concepts and ideas as fascinating and valuable as I do. Exploring these topics will undoubtedly enhance your SQL Server skills and empower you to optimize your database performance. Let me know which concept or idea resonates with you the most!