Have you ever wondered how SQL Server stores and organizes data internally? Understanding the internal workings of SQL Server can be beneficial for database administrators and developers alike. In this article, we will introduce you to a free tool called SQL Internals Viewer that allows you to explore the internal structures of SQL Server.

What is SQL Internals Viewer?

SQL Internals Viewer is a powerful tool that provides insights into how SQL Server allocates and organizes data internally. It allows you to decode page addresses, query system tables, and visualize SQL Server internals. The tool can be downloaded for free from the official website.

Key Features of SQL Internals Viewer

Let’s take a closer look at some of the key features of SQL Internals Viewer:

Allocation Map

SQL Server stores data in 8KB pages, and the Allocation Map in SQL Internals Viewer displays the database allocations. It shows pages such as GAM (Global Allocation Map), SGAM (Shared Global Allocation Map), DCM (Differential Change Map), BCM (Bulk Change Map), and IAM (Index Allocation Map). The Allocation Map helps you understand how data is allocated within a database.

Database Browser

The Database Browser allows you to navigate through databases, indexes, and tables on the server. It provides a visual representation of the database structure and displays the location of the first IAM and entry points to indexes or tables. This feature helps you understand the relationships between different database objects.

Page Viewer

The Page Viewer in SQL Internals Viewer allows you to examine the contents of individual pages. You can click on a page on the Allocation Map or enter a page address to open it in the Page Viewer. The Page Viewer displays the header, offset table, hex-dump of the data, and an interpretation of the selected record. This feature helps you analyze the structure and content of individual pages.

SQL Query Editor with Transaction Log Viewer

SQL Internals Viewer also includes a SQL Query Editor that allows you to execute queries and view the effects on the allocation map. Additionally, it provides a Transaction Log Viewer that displays records from the transaction log. This information can be used to track changes made to pages and further investigate them in the Page Viewer.

Conclusion

SQL Internals Viewer is a valuable tool for anyone interested in exploring the internal workings of SQL Server. It provides a visual representation of how data is allocated and organized within a database. Whether you are a database administrator or a developer, understanding SQL Server internals can help you optimize performance and troubleshoot issues more effectively.

Download SQL Internals Viewer today and start exploring the fascinating world of SQL Server internals!

If you have any issues, comments, or questions, feel free to get in touch with the SQL Internals Viewer team at info@sqlinternalsviewer.com.