Microsoft has just added support for query hints to Azure SQL Database, giving database administrators a powerful tool to manage the performance of ISV application code. Here's how it works. Database ...

In SQL Server 2017, when the query optimizer encounters code with a multi-statement TVF, the query optimizer will pause optimization, execute the TVF subtree to get a very accurate cardinality ...

SQL Server 2025 delivers major performance upgrades alongside licensing changes that can reshape both operational speed and budget strategy. Smarter query execution, refined CPU scheduling, and better ...

Last time, I discussed how to get PowerShell and SQLPS up and running on your machines. And much like my dog chasing its tail, you're probably asking yourself, "Now that I have it, what do I do with ...

One of the most common problems when running SQL Servers is slow queries. The help desk or database team usually hears that described as the application is slow or ...

As I discussed in an earlier column, SQL Server keeps a plan cached for each query it sees (assuming the query requires planning in the first place, of course). That's great for speeding up processing ...

Dynamic SQL lets you create a query string based off of user input. SQL Server allows you to create dynamic SQL statements. The statements use a SQL string varchar data type, then you execute the ...

Microsoft SQL Server's relational engine has offered new instrumentation that improves by light years with each new release. The introduction of Dynamic Management Views (DMVs) in SQL Server 2005 ...

SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) version 22.5 is now available, bringing a mix of new features, usability improvements, ...