When it comes to selecting a query profiling solution for SQL Server, there are two main options: SQL Profiler and Extended Events. While SQL Profiler has been a reliable choice for many years, Extended Events offer a more efficient and powerful alternative.
One of the main advantages of Extended Events is its ability to trace more events while requiring fewer server resources. This is particularly important when running SQL Profiler on an overloaded production server, as it can significantly impact performance. Extended Events, on the other hand, are designed to be lightweight and efficient.
To understand how Extended Events work, it’s helpful to first comprehend the process of SQL Profiler. In SQL Profiler, a new trace is created and specific information to be traced is noted. Filters can then be applied to ignore certain queries or events. Once the trace is set up, it can be run to capture the desired information. However, when the tracing is no longer required, it needs to be stopped and deleted.
Extended Events follow a similar principle, but with a more streamlined approach. Events are created within an event session, and specific actions and targets can be defined. Once the event session is set up, it can be started to capture the desired data. When the tracing is no longer needed, the event session can be stopped or deleted.
While Extended Events offer more monitoring options and efficiency, there is one drawback: the user interface in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) can be challenging for beginners. Additionally, older versions of SSMS, such as SSMS 2008, do not support Extended Events. However, there are tools available, such as dbForge Event Profiler for SQL Server, that provide a more user-friendly interface and support for Extended Events.
dbForge Event Profiler offers several advantages over SQL Server Profiler. It provides syntax highlighting, filtering and sorting capabilities, and predefined templates for query profiling. Additionally, it allows for the execution of large SQL scripts without opening them in the editor, which can be helpful when dealing with memory limitations in SSMS.
In conclusion, while SQL Profiler has been a reliable choice for query profiling in SQL Server, Extended Events offer a more efficient and powerful alternative. Despite the challenges of working with Extended Events in SSMS, tools like dbForge Event Profiler can make the transition easier and provide a more user-friendly experience. So, don’t get too attached to SQL Profiler and consider exploring the benefits of Extended Events.